Tropical Storm Arthur made landfall near Matagorda Bay on Wednesday afternoon, bringing tropical storm-force winds of at least 39 mph, coastal flooding and heavy rainfall to parts of the Texas Gulf Coast as the season’s first U.S. tropical cyclone landfall.

Tropical storm warnings remain in effect along portions of the Texas and Louisiana coasts as Arthur moves inland and weakens. Although the storm’s circulation is expected to deteriorate quickly, coastal flooding, gusty winds and dangerous surf remain possible along the upper Texas Coast through Wednesday evening.

Tropical Storm Arthur makes landfall near Matagorda

Arthur appears to have moved inland over Matagorda County early Wednesday afternoon. The storm’s center has become less organized since moving over land, but hazards are still spreading well away from the center.

Tropical storm-force winds remain possible along the upper Texas Coast and Louisiana coastline through Wednesday evening. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from Sargent, near Matagorda Bay, to Morgan City in central Louisiana.

Flood threat pushes away from Texas after Arthur landfall

Arthur’s heaviest rainfall is shifting east of Texas, but flooding remains the storm’s biggest threat across the Gulf Coast.

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Widespread rainfall totals of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated amounts approaching 20 inches, are possible from Louisiana into Mississippi, Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and parts of Georgia through Friday. The rain could trigger life-threatening flash flooding, urban flooding and river flooding.

Closer to home, minor to moderate coastal flooding remains possible along portions of the upper Texas Coast. Gusty winds and dangerous surf conditions will also continue along Gulf-facing beaches through Wednesday evening.

Arthur could dissipate as soon as Thursday, but residents should remain alert for lingering hazards as the storm moves inland.

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This article originally published at Tropical Storm Arthur comes ashore in Texas as Gulf Coast storm warnings remain in effect.