Tropical Storm Gordon update: Will tropical storm hit Gulf Coast?

Gordon lashed the southern tip of Florida today after making landfall near Flamingo, Florida, shortly after 2pm BST (9am EDT).

Heavy rains and gusts pummelled the sunshine state but Gordon has now passed offshore.

Wind speeds of 50mph were recorded as the tropical storm was located 15 miles west-south-west of Marco Island, Florida.

NOAA said in its 7pm BST (2pm EDT) update: “Gordon is still producing tropical-storm-force winds and heavy rain across South Florida and the Upper Keys.”

“Storm surge warning and hurricane watch in effect for portions of the Central Gulf Coast.”

Will tropical storm Gordon hit Gulf Coast? Will it become a hurricane?

Gordon is projected to make landfall again along the US Gulf Coast within the next 24 hours.

Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida make up the southern part of the US coastline around the Gulf of Mexico, where the storm has just passed.

Gordon is moving at 16mph and is expected to hit Louisiana by 1am BST Wednesday (8pm Tuesday EDT).

Wind speeds are expected to reach 70mph at this point putting Gordon on the brink of becoming a hurricane.

A category one hurricane has wind speeds of between 74mph and 95mph, according to the Saffir-Simpson scale.

A hurricane warning was issued for “portions of the central gulf coast” in NOAA’s latest update at 9pm BST (5pm EDT), including Mississippi and Alabama

A hurricane warning is in place from the Mouth of the Pearl River to the Alabama-Florida border.

Various tropical storm warnings are also in effect.

They include Chokoloskee to Bonita Beach and Alabama-Florida Border to Okaloosa-Walton County Line.

Also affected are West of the Mouth of the Pearl River to east of Morgan City, Louisiana, including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas

“Life-threatening” surges of rising water from the coastline are to be expected NOAA said.

Meteorologist James-Paul Dice tweeted: “FIRST ALERT: Tropical storm Gordon will likely make landfall along the Louisiana Gulf Coast tomorrow evening.

“The system could reach category one hurricane status by tomorrow. We will keep you updated.”