KATC StormTeam 3 Weather BLOG

A vigorous upper level low this evening near El Paso will energize the sub-tropical jet-stream enabling cyclogenesis (surface low pressure development) in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico.  This storm system will be rather potent producing rough and stormy conditions offshore with blustery, wet weather across Acadiana Friday night through midday Saturday.  Breezy east winds across Acadiana will increase and turn to the northeast Friday night, thus the Rob Perillo assigned moniker of “Nor’easter”.  This stormsystem may utlimatly be termed as a “gale” prompting National Weather Service to issue Small Craft Advisories offshore with Gale Warnings for Friday Night.  In addition, a Coastal Flood Watch has been posted for Cameron, Vermilion, Iberia and St Mary Parishes for tides possibly increasing 2-4ft tomorrow night which could lead to some minor flooding from high Gulf water.  Inland most of Acadiana can expect a general increase and thickening of cloud cover through Friday afternoon with widespread rain developing Friday night.  Rainfall totals are very tricky to assess at this point and will be directly tied to exactly where the surface low develops and the general direction this system takes, but for now we’ll say rain totals possibly near 1-2″ along the I-1o corridor southward with higher amounts toward the coastal parishes and lighter amounts farther northward.  In addition, there will be the slight risk of severe weather with the system but it should stay offshore with the warm sector, but there may be a very slight risk along the coast, especially for St Mary Parish and points to the east, so we’ll be keeping an eye out for that too.  The rain should begin to taper by midday Saturday with a cool brisk northerly windto follow Saturday afternoon.  At this point I’m not expecting temperatures to get out of the 50s Saturday so it will feel quite blustery with little or no sun through Saturday afternoon.  Sunny and pleasant conditions will return for Sunday afternoon with fair to partly cloudy and mild weather expected for next week.  Highs will be in the 70s Monday through Wednesday with a very slight risk of a few sprinkles possible Tuesday/Wednesday.  Cooler conditions are anticipated for Thanksgiving and “black” Friday with highs closer to the mid-60′s anticipated.  Make sure you check with us again tomorrow for the latest on this developing storm system.  Rob