Fri, Aug. 23 (8:00 a.m.) – Strong storms are likely along the Gulf Coast all day. Here's the official statement by National Weather Service:

A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE OVER SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA IS FORECAST TO MOVE WESTWARD TODAY AND TONIGHT. ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE TROUGH...SHOWERS AND STORMS ARE FORECAST TO INCREASE IN COVERAGE TODAY. THE HIGHER COVERAGE IS FORECAST OVER THE COASTAL ZONES. SHOWERS AND STORMS ARE FORECAST TO MOVE WESTWARD AT AROUND 10 MPH. WATERSPOUTS ARE POSSIBLE

AND THESE LOOK TO TRACK WEST NORTHWEST.

ENVIRONMENTAL MOISTURE REMAINS HIGH...RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL OF LOCALLY HEAVY RAINS IN ANY STRONGER STORMS TODAY. BRIEF STRONG WIND GUSTS IN EXCESS OF 40 MPH AND FREQUENT LIGHTNING WILL ALSO BE A HAZARD IN AND NEAR STORMS.

A MODERATE RISK OF RIP CURRENTS CONTINUES ALONG AREA BEACHES.