New Orleans and the Gulf Coast are threatened by the probable Tropical Storm Barry

Tropical weather in the Gulf of Mexico has caused a widespread flash flood Wednesday in New Orleans, while forecasters warn that the storm could turn into a hurricane here at the weekend and push the already inflated river, Mississippi, near the peaks of dikes that protect the city.

The National Hurricane Center has announced that a low pressure zone over the water south of the Florida Panhandle is expected to strengthen in Tropical Storm Barry by Thursday night, the second storm of the hurricane season of Atlantic 2019.

"There is a 90% chance that it will become Tropical Storm Barry in the next 48 hours," Fox News meteorologist Adam Klotz said on the "FOX & Friends" show. Even though it is not tropical storm Barry, it will produce a lot of rain. "

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At 11 am Wednesday, the system is located 170 miles east-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi, moving west-southwest at 8 mph with winds of 30 mph. A tropical storm alert was issued from the mouth of the Mississippi River in Morgan City, Georgia. A reconnaissance aircraft from the Air Force Reserve is scheduled to investigate the disturbances on Wednesday afternoon.

"Interests elsewhere along the US Gulf Coast, from the Texas High Coast to the Florida Panhandle, should monitor the evolution of this system," NHC said. "Additional watches for Tropical Storm or Hurricane could be issued later today or tonight in the west of Morgan City.

Barry is expected to strengthen in the next 72 hours and become a hurricane by Friday. A storm surge alert was issued from Peal River in Morgan City, Louisiana, where forecasters have reported that storm surge floods could occur.

"The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause the flooding of normally rising waters of the dry areas near the coast by the rising waters coming up from shore to the inland "said the NHC.

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In addition to potential storm surges and high winds, the system is also expected to cause heavy rains from the upper Texas coast to the Florida Panhandle, giving more water to the already inflated Mississippi River. and will bring it precariously closer to the top of the dikes that protect New Orleans.

Forecasters have said that part of Louisiana could receive up to 12 inches of rain by Monday, with heavier amounts sometimes being possible. Mississippi and Texas were also threatened by torrential rains.

The NWS said that New Orleans was protected up to a 20-foot river level, but that it was expected to exceed the flood level by 19 feet by Friday. Although most of the rains are not expected before the weekend, the vast area of ​​disturbed weather in the Gulf was already producing heavy thunderstorms and possible tornadoes on Louisiana on Wednesday.

These storms triggered tornado warnings and sudden flooding on Wednesday morning in the New Orleans area, with several people reporting fountain cases. The meteorological service reported that up to 3 inches of rain had fallen in the area.

Officials in New Orleans said that sudden floods had forced the temporary closure of all libraries and that City Hall had been shut down.

"Non-essential employees must stay at home, stay where they are until the conditions improve." city ​​officials said.

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NOLA Ready reported "widespread" flooding on the region's roads and the NWS New Orleans office issued an emergency alert for Jefferson Parish.

"4 to 6 inches have already fallen and another 2 to 3 are expected," said the NWS. "Please, do not drive on flooded roads! Look for higher ground in case of flood!"

The hurricane season of Atlantic 2019 extends from June 1 to November 30 and includes this year the following names: Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dorian, Erin, Fernand, Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebecca, Sebastian, Tanya, Van and Wendy.

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are calling for the creation of nine to fifteen named storms with winds of 39mph or more, four to eight of which could turn into hurricanes. Among these storms, there will be two to four major hurricanes, which are classified in categories 3, 4 and 5 with winds of 111 mph or more.

Associated Press contributed to this report.