Update: Tropical Storm Edouard Makes Landfall Near Port Arthur, Texas

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(Note: Includes updates throughout.)

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Written by Aaron Studwell, Ph.D., Energy Meteorologist & Analyst (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

Tropical Storm Edouard threatens Gulf Coast power, refining and petrochemical infrastructure.

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Landfall Expected Tuesday

Tropical Storm Edouard has moved inland along the upper Texas Coast and will continue weakening as it tracks across eastern Texas. At 4 p.m. CDT today, Edouard was about 5 miles west of Port Arthur, Texas, with sustained winds of 50 miles per hour (mph). Gusts of 59 mph have been reported at Port Arthur.

Heavy rainfall is now the primary concern. Rainfall forecast totals for the upper Texas coast and east Texas have been increased to 3--7 inches with localized amounts up to 12 inches.

Energy Infrastructure in Edouard's Path
According to Industrial Info Resources data, 24 power plants, representing about 14.7 gigawatts (GW) of nameplate generation capacity, are within Edouard's cone of uncertainty. Four refineries with a combined capacity of about 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), also are within the region.

The Beaumont-Port Arthur and Lake Charles corridors contain extensive refinery, chemical, petrochemical, terminal and pipeline infrastructure. Because Edouard has a compact circulation, the precise landfall track will determine which facilities experience the strongest winds.

Storm surge also poses a threat to coastal infrastructure. The NHC forecasts 3 to 5 feet of inundation above ground level from High Island, Texas, to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana, with 1 to 3 feet possible eastward to Morgan City, Louisiana.



Heavy Rain, Winds Accompany Landfall
A Tropical Storm Warning covered Port Bolivar, Texas, to the Vermilion/Iberia Parish Line in Louisiana. A Storm Surge Warning extended from High Island to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana.

Edouard was expected to produce 3 to 6 inches of rainfall, with localized totals approaching 9 inches, from the Upper Texas Coast into east-central Texas. Flash flooding is likely, particularly in urban and low-lying areas, while river flooding also is possible. A tornado or two could develop across southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana.

Edouard's inner core became increasingly organized Tuesday morning, as the cyclone moved across very warm Gulf waters in an environment of weak vertical wind shear. Edouard was expected to weaken rapidly over southeastern Texas and dissipate Wednesday.

Key Takeaways

• Edouard made landfall near Port Arthur, Texas.
• 24 power plants totaling 14.7 GW are within the cone.
• Four refineries totaling 1.8 million BBL/d are potentially exposed.
• Storm surge could reach 3--5 feet along the coast.

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