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Gulf Of Mexico

All articles tagged with #gulf of mexico

Gulf Could Welcome 2026’s First Named Storm as Arthur Could Form Within 24 Hours
weather28 days ago

Gulf Could Welcome 2026’s First Named Storm as Arthur Could Form Within 24 Hours

Forecasters say a potential tropical cyclone near southern Texas has a 70% chance to become Tropical Storm Arthur in the Gulf of Mexico within about 24 hours, with a tropical-storm watch in effect from Sargent, TX to Morgan City, LA. Regardless of Arthur’s formation, the system is expected to bring heavy rainfall across southern and eastern Texas, parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, risking flash flooding (as much as 5–8 inches already fallen, with 10+ inches possible locally), gusty winds, storm surge up to 4 feet, rip currents, and possible tornadoes along the NW Gulf Coast. NOAA also expects a below-normal 2026 Atlantic hurricane season (8–14 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes, 1–3 major) due to El Niño.

Gulf updraft could spark this season’s first tropical storm
weather28 days ago

Gulf updraft could spark this season’s first tropical storm

The National Hurricane Center says a broad low-pressure system moving from south Texas toward the northwestern Gulf of Mexico could become the season’s first tropical storm, potentially named Arthur, with marginal conditions allowing short-lived development late today or Wednesday. Regardless of formation, residents of southern/eastern Texas and parts of Louisiana and Mississippi should prepare for heavy rainfall and possible life-threatening flooding, along with gusty winds and coastal flooding along the Gulf Coast. The NHC assigns about a 60% chance of development in the next two to seven days, and the Atlantic hurricane season—which begins June 1 and is expected to be below normal (8–14 named storms, 3–6 hurricanes, 1–3 major)—remains in the monitoring phase with updates every six hours.

Gulf disturbance could become 2026’s first named storm, Arthur, bringing heavy rain to Houston
weather29 days ago

Gulf disturbance could become 2026’s first named storm, Arthur, bringing heavy rain to Houston

A disturbance over northeastern Mexico has a 50% chance to become a tropical storm in the Gulf, potentially late Tuesday into Wednesday as Arthur—the first named storm of 2026. The bigger risk is prolonged heavy rainfall for Southeast Texas, with a Flood Watch in effect through Thursday and forecast totals of 3–7 inches (locally higher). Rain rates could reach 2–4 inches per hour in bands, creating the potential for flash flooding; stay weather-aware and avoid flooded roads.

Gulf’s Pocket-Sized Bioluminescent Shark Revealed as New Species
science3 months ago

Gulf’s Pocket-Sized Bioluminescent Shark Revealed as New Species

Scientists from NOAA announced the discovery of Mollisquama mississippiensis, the American pocket shark, a 5.5‑inch bioluminescent shark found in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s only the second pocket shark species known and differs from its Pacific relative in features like its pocket anatomy and body photophores. The glowing glands likely help with camouflage or predation, a trait that may have evolved independently in sharks. The shark was found accidentally by the NOAA Pisces during a sperm whale prey survey and is now part of Tulane’s research collection, with advanced imaging helping distinguish it from its Pacific cousin.

El Niño-Driven Outlook Narrows 2026 Hurricane Season Predictions
weather3 months ago

El Niño-Driven Outlook Narrows 2026 Hurricane Season Predictions

Colorado State University’s early forecast for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season projects a somewhat below-average year (13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, 2 major hurricanes) due to a developing strong El Niño that increases wind shear and dampens activity; sea-surface temperatures are mixed, Gulf of Mexico activity may be less suppressed, and overall U.S. major hurricane landfall probability is about 32% (down from 43%), with Florida remaining the most at-risk state. Forecasts will be updated in June–August.

Rice’s Whale Faces New Threats as Gulf Drilling Expands
environment3 months ago

Rice’s Whale Faces New Threats as Gulf Drilling Expands

Rice’s whale, a rare Gulf of Mexico baleen whale with only dozens to a few hundred individuals, is at greater risk from President Trump’s plans to expand Gulf drilling. Scientists warn that increased offshore activity, noise, and habitat disruption could further imperil the endangered species, prompting calls for stronger protections and careful consideration of drilling projects.

Gulf oil spill washes across hundreds of miles, hitting Mexican reserves and wildlife
world3 months ago

Gulf oil spill washes across hundreds of miles, hitting Mexican reserves and wildlife

An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in early March spread over more than 600 kilometers (373 miles), reaching seven protected nature reserves off Veracruz and Tabasco, Mexico. Authorities cite sources including a vessel near Coatzacoalcos and natural oil seeps in Cantarell and the Bay of Campeche; about 430 tons of hydrocarbons have been collected. The spill contaminated wildlife—reported to include sea turtles, birds and fish—with Oceana noting turtle and manatee deaths and reef damage, while officials say there has not yet been confirmed severe environmental damage and cleanup continues.