Tropical Depression 5 drifts ashore - dissipates

The remnants of tropical depression 5 are drifting into southern Louisiana near New Orleans. The storm did not develop as expected and is now essentially dissipating. As the models show (above) the system will spread to the north and northeast bringing rain to Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

This morning the local radio reported that North Georgia is entering the beginning stages of a mild drought so this tropical weather comes just at the right time. Hopefully this will break the heat as well.

Final Tropical Depression 5 Update: August 11, 2010 (Wakulla)

A general northwest track is expected to continue through Thursday morning, but is forecast to turn more north and northeast beginning Thursday night while dramatically slowing down and lingering over the region through Saturday.

Forecast Weather Map for SaturdayThe official forecast track brings the center of the system onshore the north-central Gulf Coast near southeastern Louisiana and New Orleans early Thursday morning as a 40mph tropical storm.

No one should focus on the exact track of the system, because most of the associated weather with weak tropical cyclones is typically removed from the center.

Impacts to the Florida Gulf coast are expected to be minor, but may include minor coastal erosion, isolated waterspouts or tornadoes, high waves of 3-5 feet at the beach and an increased threat for rip currents along Florida beaches.

Tropical storm winds of 40mph may only occur in the gusts of passing squall bands, beginning late Wednesday afternoon or early Wednesday evening.

Heavy rainfall will likely be the main threat. Rainfall amounts may reach as high as 3-5 inches, especially along the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend coast.