A powerful winter storm disrupts operations along Texas’ Gulf Coast, forcing refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturers to scale back activity and tighten oil and gas supply as heating demand rises.
Amtrak has resumed its Mardi Gras Service between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, nearly 20 years after Hurricane Katrina disrupted Gulf Coast rail service, offering a scenic, affordable alternative for travelers and symbolizing regional recovery and healing.
There has been a surge in cases of flesh-eating bacteria, specifically Vibrio vulnificus, along the Gulf Coast, linked to warm saltwater exposure, with severe infections and fatalities. Immediate antibiotic treatment and wound care are crucial, especially for vulnerable populations, amid rising water temperatures and extreme weather events.
Cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria causing flesh-eating infections, are rising along the US Gulf Coast due to warmer waters, with Louisiana and Florida reporting increased cases and fatalities. The bacteria can infect through open wounds or consumption of raw seafood, especially oysters, and poses a higher risk to immunocompromised individuals. Precautions include cooking seafood thoroughly, avoiding coastal waters with open wounds, and practicing good hygiene.
Cases of the potentially deadly flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus are above average along the Gulf Coast in 2025, likely due to warm water temperatures, with increased risks for those with wounds or consuming raw seafood. Health officials advise avoiding water with cuts and being cautious with seafood, especially oysters, to prevent infection.
A Gulf Coast state reports a rise in Vibrio vulnificus infections, with 17 cases and four deaths this year, surpassing the previous 10-year average, mainly affecting those exposed to warm coastal waters or consuming undercooked seafood, highlighting a growing public health concern.
Health officials warn of a rise in deadly 'flesh-eating' Vibrio vulnificus cases along the Gulf Coast, with Louisiana and Florida reporting higher than usual numbers, emphasizing the risks of exposure through open wounds and raw seafood during summer.
A tropical disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and potential thunderstorms to Florida and the northern Gulf Coast over the next few days, with a small chance of developing into a tropical depression, while also increasing rip current risks at beaches.
Residents along the Gulf Coast are preparing for heavy rains and potential flooding as a weak tropical disturbance approaches southern Louisiana, with rainfall totals of 3-8 inches, while the system remains unlikely to strengthen into a named storm due to land interaction and wind shear. Rip currents are also a concern at beaches from Panama City westward.
A tropical disturbance near the northern Gulf Coast, called Invest 93L, poses a flood threat to Louisiana and Mississippi, with heavy rain expected to cause flooding, especially along and south of the I-10 corridor, with some areas potentially receiving over 6 inches of rain. Flood watches are in effect for southern Louisiana and parts of Mississippi, although the disturbance has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression.
A weather system over Florida is likely to develop into a tropical depression and pose flooding risks to the Gulf Coast, especially Louisiana and New Orleans, with heavy rains expected and preparations underway amid recent severe floods in the region.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a cluster of thunderstorms off Florida's coast for potential tropical development as it moves into the Gulf, with increased rain and thunderstorms expected in North Florida, including the Panhandle, regardless of whether a storm forms. Residents are advised to stay updated on the forecast.
Severe storms are bringing tornado threats and flash flooding to the Gulf Coast, particularly in areas like New Orleans, Louisiana, and Slidell. The National Weather Service has issued numerous tornado warnings and watches for millions of people across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Flash flood emergencies have been declared in some areas, with reports of up to four potential tornadoes causing damage in Slidell. The severe weather has led to road closures, impassable roads, and power outages in several areas.
Several schools in the Gulf Coast region are closing early on Wednesday due to the threat of severe weather, including windy conditions, rough surf, and possible flooding. School districts such as Baldwin County, Mobile County, and Washington County are dismissing students early and canceling after-school activities and events. The closures are in response to safety concerns for students and staff traveling in potentially dangerous weather conditions.
A powerful storm system is expected to bring heavy rain, large hail, and possible tornadoes to the southern US, affecting over 30 million Americans from eastern Texas to Mississippi. The storm disrupted air travel, caused power outages, and led to the early end of the Texas Eclipse Festival. The risk of severe weather is forecast to extend to central Georgia, the Florida Panhandle, and other areas, prompting Texas Governor Greg Abbott to mobilize state resources in preparation for potential flood, tornado, and storm damage.