The Florida Panhandle: a northwestern strip of coast and communities
Arthur has formed as the first named storm of the Atlantic season and tracks toward the Texas-Louisiana coast. Forecasters warn of life-threatening flash flooding across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida, with rainfall totals from 5 to 10 inches and isolated totals near 20 inches through Friday. Residents are deploying sandbags, preparing shelters, and monitoring potential reformation off the East Coast.
The government has signed Lulu’s Law, directing the FCC to enable emergency mobile alerts when shark attacks occur. States will implement warnings; Alabama already has a similar system. Lulu Gribbin, who survived a 2024 shark attack, advocates the measure, saying it could save lives.
Bertha has intensified into a tropical storm and is forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rain, potential flash floods, and storm surges up to 4 feet. Forecasters warn of possible isolated tornadoes and dangerous surf as Fausto gains hurricane strength in the eastern Pacific.