Tropical Storm Edouard strengthened over the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, threatening the Texas and Louisiana coasts with hurricane-strength winds, significant storm surge, and widespread heavy rain that prompted emergency school closures across southeast Texas.
The National Hurricane Center reported that the system could approach hurricane strength before it reaches the northwest Gulf coast later today. Forecasters tracked the storm moving west-northwest at about 8 mph early Tuesday, carrying maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. As of the NHC’s early Tuesday advisory, the center of Edouard was located about 40 miles south-southeast of Cameron, Louisiana, and 70 miles southeast of Port Arthur, Texas, with higher gusts accompanying its maximum sustained winds around 40 mph.
Edouard formed in the Gulf on Monday night, strengthening into the fifth named storm of the season after previously being designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Five by forecasters with the National Weather Service.
Warnings and Landfall Forecast Along the Gulf Coast
A tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch remained in effect Tuesday morning as the system closed in on the coastline. The warning zone stretched from Port Bolivar, Texas, to the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line in Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center. A hurricane watch was in place the morning of September 1 from High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana.
Coastal areas also faced a storm surge threat. A storm surge watch was in effect for parts of Texas and southwest Louisiana, with the National Hurricane Center warning coastlines could see water 5 feet above ground level, bringing a serious risk of major flooding as the system pushes inland.
“On the forecast track, the center of Edouard is forecast to reach the northwestern Gulf Coast within the warning area later today and move inland over southeast Texas tonight. Significant strengthening is forecast today and Edouard could approach hurricane strength before it reaches the northwest Gulf coast later today. Rapid weakening is expected after the center moves inland.”
National Hurricane Center forecasters
Rainfall Totals and Flood Threats in Texas and Louisiana
While winds remain a hazard, forecasters emphasized that excessive rainfall poses the most widespread danger. Total rainfall accumulations are expected to range from 3 to 6 inches across parts of Texas, with up to 9 inches possible in isolated spots as heavy rain and strong thunderstorms bring wind gusts up to 45 miles per hour. The heavy rain could lead to flash flooding, especially in low-lying and urban areas, according to the National Hurricane Center. Rain and wind were already lashing Port Arthur, Texas, early Tuesday morning, and rain began in southern Louisiana on Monday before gradually moving westward overnight.
Edouard will be moving through warmer than normal waters in the northern Gulf, which could give the storm a boost as it makes its final approach, the hurricane center said.
School District Closures Across Southeast Texas
The approaching storm forced multiple school districts across southeast Texas to cancel classes on Tuesday as Edouard approaches the upper Texas Gulf Coast, bringing a growing threat of heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and hazardous travel conditions. District leaders said the closures are intended to keep students, staff, and families off the roads during the storm’s expected peak impacts, citing forecasts for heavy rainfall, localized flooding, and worsening travel conditions during normal dismissal hours, with several districts noting that weather conditions could deteriorate rapidly Tuesday.
Anahuac ISD
Channelview ISD
Cleveland ISD
Crosby ISD
Dayton ISD
Galena Park ISD
Goose Creek CISD
Hardin ISD
Huffman ISD
Hull-Daisetta ISD
Humble ISD
Liberty ISD
Sheldon ISD
Shepherd ISD
Splendora ISD
Tarkington ISD
Willis ISD
Southwest Public Schools
IDEA Lake Houston
Rhodes School for the Performing Arts
Harris County Department of Education
Lee College
Among those closing, Humble ISD announced that athletic contests including middle school football and volleyball games as well as high school volleyball matches were cancelled or postponed for the day.
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