Important Note: This post is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data from NOAA, the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and the National Weather Service (NWS). It is NOT an official forecast. For the most accurate and official information for your location, please always consult your local National Weather Service office and the National Hurricane Center.
Where is Invest 93L Now?
As of Thursday morning, July 17, 2025, Invest 93L, a broad area of low pressure, is situated over the northern Gulf of Mexico. Recent satellite, surface, and radar data indicate it’s located just south of the Mississippi coast. Its associated shower and thunderstorm activity remains generally disorganized, with the bulk of it positioned to the west and southwest of the center.
- Source: National Hurricane Center (NHC) Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Issued 8 AM EDT Thu Jul 17 2025) – https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php
What’s the Latest on its Track?
Invest 93L is forecast to continue its westward movement across the northern Gulf throughout today. It is expected to reach the Louisiana coast later today or tonight. Its close proximity to the coast continues to be a key factor influencing its development.
- Source: Zoom Earth LIVE Tracker for Invest 93L – https://zoom.earth/storms/93l-2025/
- Source: National Weather Service Marine Forecast FZNT24 KNHC (Issued 518 AM EDT Thu Jul 17 2025) – https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/data/Forecasts/FZNT24.KNHC.html
Will it Become Tropical Storm Dexter?
The NHC currently assesses the chances of Invest 93L developing into a tropical depression as low (30%) within the next 48 hours and also within the next 7 days.
While some additional development remains possible over the next 12-24 hours, especially if the system can nudge a bit further offshore, its current structure and imminent landfall near the Louisiana coast are making significant organization less likely before it moves fully inland by Friday.
- Source: NHC Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Issued 8 AM EDT Thu Jul 17 2025) – https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gtwo.php
- Source: Newsweek: “Tropical Storm Dexter Update as Chances of Cyclone Changes” (Published July 17, 2025) – https://www.newsweek.com/tropical-storm-dexter-update-chances-cyclone-changes-2100080
The Dominant Threat: Heavy Rainfall and Flash Flooding
Regardless of whether Invest 93L officially organizes into a tropical cyclone, heavy rainfall and the potential for life-threatening flash flooding remain the primary and most significant concerns.
- North-Central Gulf Coast (Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama): Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over the north-central Gulf through Friday. NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) expects a likelihood of flash flooding, particularly between New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Texas-Louisiana border.
- The NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge office states: “The risk for excessive rainfall and flash flooding is highest today and continues into Friday for areas along and south of the I-10/12 corridor. High rainfall rates in excess of 2-3 inches per hour will likely lead to ponding of water in low lying and poor drainage areas at times. Some roads may become impassable, especially around underpasses. In localized areas of heaviest rainfall, some low lying structures may become fl1ooded.”
- Forecast models show a widespread swath of 1-3 inches of rainfall from east of Houston to Panama City, Florida, with amounts of 5-8 inches and even greater around Lafayette, Louisiana. Isolated higher totals (potentially double the forecasted amounts) could be possible along the I-10 corridor.
- Florida: While the system has moved west of Florida, the state previously received significant rainfall from Invest 93L, with nearly a foot of rain reported in Plant City on Monday, causing street and home flooding.
- Sources:
- FOX Weather: “Invest 93L increases Gulf Coast flood threat as system is monitored for tropical development” (Updated July 17, 2025) – https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/invest-93l-gulf-coast-tropics
- National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge (Local Forecast Discussion) – https://www.weather.gov/lix/ (Look for “Heavy Rain Threat Today Thru Saturday” or “Forecast Rain Totals” sections)
- NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center (WPC) – (General excessive rainfall outlooks can be found here: https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/)
Other Potential Impacts:
- Waterspouts/Tornadoes: Severe weather, such as waterspouts and isolated tornadoes, could be possible within the stronger rain bands.
- Rough Seas: Mariners in the northern Gulf should anticipate rough seas and erratic gusty winds near heavy convection.
What Should You Do?
If you are in Florida or anywhere along the north-central Gulf Coast, especially Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, please take these steps:
- STAY INFORMED: This is paramount. Continuously monitor official updates from the National Hurricane Center (hurricanes.gov) and your local National Weather Service office (weather.gov). Pay close attention to any Flash Flood Watches or Warnings issued for your specific area.
- NEVER DRIVE THROUGH FLOODWATERS: Six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and a foot of water can float and stall most vehicles. If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
- Have Multiple Ways to Receive Warnings: Ensure you have NOAA Weather Radio, weather apps with alerts, and local news sources readily available.
- Prepare for Impacts: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials, and consider moving valuables to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.
We will continue to track Invest 93L and provide further updates as the situation unfolds. Stay safe and prepared!
AI Disclaimer: This blog post was researched and curated with AI assistance based on publicly available information from NOAA, NHC, and NWS. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official weather forecast. Always consult official sources for critical weather information.