Tropical storm warning issued for parts of Mexico, Texas

Tropical storm warnings are still in effect for parts of northeastern Mexico and south Texas, according to an 8 p.m. EST update from the National Hurricane Center.

The warning in Texas covers the state’s coast from Port Mansfield to the mouth of the Rio Grand River. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm conditions are expected in the area in the next 36 hours.

Meteorologists say a tropical wave in the Gulf of Mexico is likely to strengthen over the weekend, and have upgraded the chance of becoming a tropical depression by Saturday from 70% to 80%. Isolated areas in Mexico could receive up to eight inches of rain, while in southern Texas, 1-3 inches are expected — with some small areas seeing more.

The storm does not pose a threat to Florida. Meteorologists are advising people in Mexico and Texas to keep an eye on the system. The storm could bring heavy rains to those areas, the advisory said.

Meteorologists say the showers and thunderstorms of the low-pressure area have become more organized over the last 24 hours, but still lack a circulation center. The plume of Saharan dust that has halted tropical development is lifting, making conditions ripe for storm activity.

However, by Saturday night meteorologists expect the storm’s development will stall when it moves inland over Mexico.

An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter plane is investigating the tropical disturbance, the advisory said.

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