The fifth tropical storm of the Atlantic season has formed, and heavy rainfall will affect Southeast Texas and western Louisiana. The combination of as much as 9 inches of rain and up to four feet of storm surge could cause further issues.

The WeatherRadar shows Tropical Storm Edouard continues to become better organized and will approach the Louisiana and Texas coast tonight. The storm’s center is well-defined, and while it remains over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it is likely to strengthen, possibly rapidly, before making landfall.

Storm surge of up to 4 feet is possible along the Louisiana and Southeast Texas coasts. Rainfall totals could reach as much as 9 inches in isolated areas, but most locations are expected to receive between 4 and 6 inches. Those near rivers and bayous should pay close attention, as water levels can rise quickly, potentially causing dangerous flooding.

Once Edouard makes landfall, it will weaken and lose its storm classification, but the rain will continue, and the risk of flooding will persist across inland Texas. The WindRadar indicates that the storm will be slowing down, but the WeatherRadar will continue to show active rainfall over the next several days.