Good morning! We're going to get new advisory in on Tropical Storm Alex within the hour but, right now, it's a 50 mph tropical storm. Strengthening will likely be slow over the next day or so because of how close it is to land and how shallow (but warm) the water is in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Otherwise, upper level wind is very weak meaning light wind shear is located near Alex, an optimal situation for strengthening.
The forecast track of Alex is coming into better focus this morning as a trough of low pressure builds into the eastern United States. This is allowing high pressure over the southern tier of the country to weaken and should help draw Alex farther to the north. However, this trough will not be able to completely "pick" Alex up and bring it to the eastern Gulf, so after a tug north for a while, the Alex is expected to move back toward the northern coast of Mexico or south Texas. Alex likely will be a hurricane at landfall, or prior to landfall.
I'll have more on 6 TV later this morning. Have a great day!
Brian
