Tropical Storm Dexter: 20 Million Americans Prepare as Spaghetti Models Track Path

Tropical Storm Dexter Threatens 20 Million Americans: Path, Risks, and Warnings

[Image 1: Spaghetti models showing Dexter’s potential paths across the Gulf Coast]

Tropical Storm Dexter could impact up to 20 million Americans as it barrels toward Louisiana, following its sweep across Central Florida. Meteorologists warn of heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding in New Orleans and Gulf states by Thursday. Spaghetti models—which plot possible storm paths using multiple forecasts—show Dexter cutting through the Florida Panhandle into the Gulf of Mexico before targeting Louisiana. Most models converge on New Orleans, with some projecting a northward turn into the Midwest.

Storm Path and Spaghetti Models
Meteorologist Levi Cowan, creator of the forecast platform Tropical Tidbits, highlights that all spaghetti models track Dexter across the Florida Panhandle into the Gulf. While some paths predict impacts in Arkansas and Mississippi, others suggest a broader reach, potentially affecting Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

[Image 2: Flooded streets in New Orleans (stock photo)]

Potential Impacts

• Flooding: Up to 8 inches of rain could drench Louisiana and Mississippi, with a 3-foot storm surge threatening low-lying areas like New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward and Lake Pontchartrain.
• Wind: Sustained winds of 60 mph may cause power outages and property damage.
• Delays: Over 18,000 flight delays and 3,800 cancellations hit U.S. airports this week, with more expected as Dexter approaches.

Meteorologists’ Warnings
AccuWeather warns Dexter could stall over the Gulf Coast, prolonging rainfall and flash flooding akin to recent disasters in New York and Texas. The National Hurricane Center gives the storm a 40% chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone within 48 hours. If upgraded from “Invest 93L” to a named storm, Dexter’s risks would escalate.

[Image 3: Map of 20+ states at risk of flooding]

States at High Risk
At least 20 states face flooding threats through Saturday:

• South: Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas
• Midwest: Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan
• Northeast: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia

Residents in these areas are urged to monitor updates, prepare emergency kits, and heed evacuation orders.

Stay tuned to local authorities and weather outlets for real-time alerts as Dexter evolves.

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Note: Insert relevant images in marked sections to illustrate storm tracks, flood zones, and impacted regions.