Tropical Storm Arthur is the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season

Key Points:

• Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is currently located 170 miles west-southwest of Lake Charles, Louisiana, with sustained winds of 45 mph and is moving northeast toward southwestern Louisiana.
• The storm is expected to produce heavy rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated amounts up to 20 inches, causing dangerous flash flooding and urban flooding from the Texas coast to South Georgia.
• Arthur is forecasted to move inland by Wednesday night and dissipate by early Thursday, but heavy rain and flood threats will continue for several days even after the storm weakens.
• Tropical storm warnings are in effect from Sargent, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, with flood watches across Southeast Texas; officials are urging caution, especially regarding flooded roadways.
• Arthur's early formation is slightly ahead of the average first named storm date of June 20, and while climate change is increasing hurricane intensity, the 2026 Atlantic season is expected to have fewer storms due to the influence of El Niño.