Less than three weeks after hurricane season officially began, Tropical Storm Cindy has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to move toward the Gulf Coast this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm is expected to bring 3-6 inches of rain on the east side of the storm track; flooding and rain will be the primary concerns when the storm makes landfall as early as Wednesday evening, according to the National Weather Service.



Although Montgomery County is not under a tropical storm watch, local officials said residents can expect potential heavy rainfall and wind speeds between 10-20 mph. Residents are encouraged to check emergency kits and bring inside or secure anything that could become airborne in high winds.

 



 



Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal has advised residents to use the occasion of the tropical disturbance to review their emergency preparedness and ensure they are equipped to handle flooding, power loss and other issues that a major storm or hurricane can trigger.

Although the storm is stationary, it is expected to move toward the Texas coast in the next few days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Officials predict an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year with 11-17 named storms, five to nine of which are expected to become hurricanes, according to the NOAA climate prediction center.

Hurricane season began June 1 and goes through Nov. 30. For more details and local updates throughout the week, visit www.mctxoem.org  and www.weather.gov/hgx/.