Tropical Storm Arthur Floods Gulf Coast
Tropical Storm Arthur formed near the Gulf Coast on Wednesday. It is the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
The storm brought heavy rain and dangerous flash flooding to Texas and Louisiana. Flooding also spread to Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
Arthur had winds of up to 40 mph on Wednesday morning. It was centered about 40 miles from Port O'Connor in Texas.
Forecasters warned of 5 to 10 inches of rain. Some areas could see up to 20 inches.
A teenager reportedly drowned in a flooded pond near Houston. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 101 counties before the storm arrived.
Klear Note — Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November each year. Named storms happen almost every year along the Gulf Coast.
Key Terms 3
- Flash flooding Sudden dangerous flooding caused by heavy rain in a short time
- Disaster declaration Official state of emergency that unlocks government help and funding
- Retention pond A man-made pond built to collect and hold rainwater