Updated forecasts for the storm system in the Gulf now predict it will organize into a tropical storm, and will be called “Cindy,” making it the second named storm of the season.  Tropical Storm Bret has officially formed in the Atlantic just north of Venezuela.

There are now warnings issued for tropical storm-force winds along Louisiana’s coast within the next 24-36 hours. Vermilion, St. Mary, and Iberia Parishes are under tropical storm warnings, and Cameron Parish is under a tropical storm watch, though that appears very likely to be upgraded.

Rain totals in the Acadiana area are expected to reach 2-5 inches, although they could very well get up to 6-8 inches.

Here’s a bit of the forecast from KATC out of Lafayette.

Tropical storm force winds will be mainly located along the coastline with the majority of Acadiana seeing gusty conditions around 15-20 mph and gusting closer to 30-35 mph.

Not looking at much storm surge currently and flooding from rainfall should remain in local areas that are prone to flooding, mainly ditches and low lying roadways.

Conditions also do not appear to be favorable for any accompanying tornadoes or severe weather with this system either but obviously we will watch closely for their development.

An important part of the emphasis here is that, with the storm disorganized, a lot of the bad weather will be outside of the cone models weather stations are using. It will be bad inside and out, so don’t do anything too risky in this weather, no matter if you’re outside the supposed path of the storm or not.

There are no expectations for Cindy to become a full-blown hurricane, but a tropical storm can still do a lot of damage, so please be careful over the next few days.