What Comes After Alex?

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July 08, 2010

Tropical depression expected to become Tropical Storm Bonnie

Posted: 09:40 AM ET

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Ninette Sosa
CNNRadio

(CNN) -- A weather system headed for southern Texas and northeastern Mexico is expected to become Tropical Storm Bonnie by Thursday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center said.

Currently, Tropical Depression 2 has maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, the hurricane center said in its 8 a.m. ET update. To attain tropical storm status, it must have sustained winds of 39 mph. Forecasters said the system is "poorly organized" at this time.

Tropical Depression 2 is following almost the same path that Hurricane Alex did a week ago.

As of 11 a.m. ET Thursday, a tropical storm warning was in effect along the coast of Texas, from south of Baffin Bay down to the mouth of the Rio Grande; and for the Mexican coast from the mouth of the Rio Grande down to Rio San Fernando, said the National Hurricane Center. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area in the next 24 hours. But the National Hurricane Center said the warning would likely be discontinued later Thursday.

"Landfall ... will prevent any further strengthening of the storm," CNN meteorologist Angela Fritz said Thursday. "We should stress that this still means heavy rain and strong winds for an area that is still coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Alex."

Texas Gov. Rick Perry activated emergency response forces Wednesday.

"As South Texas continues to feel the effects of Hurricane Alex, we are closely monitoring a storm system that is expected to bring more heavy rains to the area and increase flooding along the Rio Grande," Perry said. "I urge residents to exercise caution, pay attention to changing conditions and heed the warnings of local officials as this storm system threatens Texas communities."

Alex dumped 6 to 12 inches of rain across southern Texas and northeastern Mexico last week, and there continues to be standing water in some fields and residential areas.

CNN's Ninette Sosa contributed to this report