Tropical rain threat
"Andrea" or not, tropical system could bring heavy rains.
Chances are increasing that the blob of moisture in the Gulf of Mexico will meet at least the minimum requirements for becoming the first named tropical storm of the season.
The National Hurricane Center now sees a 50 percent chance that the storm will gain the qualifying wind speed -- at least 39 m.p.h. -- and become Andrea in the next 48 hours.
Even if the storm doesn't make the name grade, the National Weather Service is bullish on the idea that some of that tropical moisture will streami northeastward and soaking the region Friday and Saturday in advance of the U.S. Open golf championship.
In its morning discussion the weather service is saying that a "boat load" of moisture could work its way into the area, with widespread 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain is possible Friday into Saturday.
Thunderstorms also are possible.
The bulk of the rain would come Friday night, with the forecast listing an 80 percent probability of showers, but the timing situation is fluid.
Lookiing ahead to tournament week, showers and thunderstorms are possible Monday.
The Accu-Weather forecast for Friday and Friday night is considerably more circumspect. It's calling for less than a half-inch of rain, but it's leaving open the possibility that something more drenching could develop.
The company's extended forecast calls for a chance of showers Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday of next week.