Olga takes aim at Gulf Coast as a post-tropical cyclone
Tropical Storm Olga was transformed into a post-tropical cyclone late Friday in the Gulf of Mexico and was on a track along the Texas coast to bring heavy rain and severe storms to the Gulf Coast on Saturday, the National Hurricane Center reported.
The storm had maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and was centered about 170 miles south-southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was moving northeast at 17 mph.
The NHC said the storm was likely to collide with a cold front and bring gale-force winds and up to 8 inches of rain along the central Gulf Coast and Mississippi Valley on Saturday.
No coastal tropical cyclone watches or warnings were in effect.
The powerful storm spawned multiple reported tornadoes in southwestern Alabama on Friday evening.
The National Weather Service said a “confirmed large and dangerous” tornado was on the ground in Mobile County. It was one of several twisters reported Friday night. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Olga had been classified as a tropical storm earlier Friday, with sustained winds of 40 mph.
Contributing: The Associated Press
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Post-Tropical Cyclone Olga threatens Gulf Coast with heavy rain, wind
