Tropical Storm Cristobal made landfall in the United States, packing intense winds and rain after spinning dangerous weather in the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm hit the Louisiana coast on Sunday evening with sustained winds over 50 mph that are “battering the central Gulf Coast,” the National Hurricane Center said, after spawning a tornado on Saturday that wreaked havoc in Florida.
The organization warned of a high risk for excessive rainfall in the eastern part of the state and in Mississippi, adding to the threat of coastal flooding as parts of Louisiana and Mississippi could see potentially “life-threatening” storm surges.
“An additional 2 to 5 inches of rain is possible in the High Risk areas with localized amounts of 7 inches or more possible,” the NHC said. “Heavy showers and thunderstorms also continue across northern and central Florida where torrential downpours could occur. As the storm moves ashore, Cristobal’s northeast quadrant will also over the central Gulf Coast, thus leading to the opportunity for tornadoes this evening and overnight.”
Earlier on Sunday, President Trump agreed to issue an emergency declaration for Louisiana as the storm was still approaching.
At the request of @SenJohnKennedy & @SenBillCassidy of the Great State of Louisiana, I will be approving & signing today an EMERGENCY DECLARATION which will help with all aspects of the big storm that is currently hitting your shores. FEMA is already there. God Bless You!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2020
Cristobal formed in the Gulf of Mexico last week. It weakened to a tropical depression before strengthening back to a tropical storm on Friday. The storm is expected to head toward the Mississippi Delta on Monday before likely hitting Arkansas on Tuesday, when it is due to become post-tropical and travel into the Upper Midwest.
