The storm system in the Gulf of Mexico that has put Texas on alert will likely become a tropical cyclone by Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service.
If the area of low pressure in the Gulf turns into what would be called Tropical Storm Bill, its path could take aim at Texas and parts of Louisiana.
The latest National Weather Focus predicted the chance of a tropical storm forming within the next two days is 90%.
Even if the the storm system does not become a tropical cyclone, tropical storm conditions are likely on the middle and upper Texas coast and the southwestern coast of Louisiana, the weather service said.
In Texas, where a new rainfall record was set in May, officials are sounding the alarm early.
“While high winds and even tornadoes are possible, already wet grounds mean that even a moderate amount of rain will likely cause street flooding,” warned Harris County Emergency Management. “Bayous and rivers could go out of banks quickly creating a serious threat to life and property.”
On Monday, coastal Galveston County issued a voluntary evacuation for the Bolivar Peninsula, which sits in the Galveston Bay. Potential rainfall could flood roads on the peninsula, making it harder to leave later, or for emergency responders to reach them.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also announced on Monday that a special operations center is on alert as the tropical system develops.
“Any additional rainfall will exacerbate already saturated grounds, which could quickly lead to dangerous flash flooding and extended river flooding,” he said in a statement.