New Storm Edouard...

As I mentioned last night, my gut told me we would see the 5th Tropical Storm of the 2008 Season develop today or tomorrow. It didn't look very organized this morning but Hurricane Hunters from Keesler this afternoon found a closed surface circulation and falling pressures. NHC now says Edouard could approach hurricane force before landfall on Tuesday. Right now that appears to be somewhere north or south of Galveston/Houston. That would keep impacts on Louisiana minimal...mainly a marine concern. However, small, weak systems often don't follow the upper steering winds (currently blowing from the north) until they generate more T-Storms that tower higher up into the atmosphere. Again, if it continues to strengthen & become better organized, it will probably take that WSW track. But if it stays a weak system, don't be surprised to see it closer to the Louisiana coast. Bottom line, it is not yet strong enough to do much damage and all computer models move it well to our west & south. We need to pay attention but not over re-act. This is no Katrina. It will increase our winds tonight (20-30 mph) and cause water levels to be 1-2 feet above normal. Most of the heavy rains will remain offshore UNLESS the track changes and brings Edouard closer to our coast. I'll update the blog after our 9 PM News.