NWS: Dolly is making beeline for mouth of Rio Grande

July 22, 2008 - 3:25 PM

A National Weather Service forecast discussion at 2:35 p.m. regarding Tropical Storm Dolly identifies Cameron and Willacy counties as "likely the bullseye for the brunt of the activity."

"For residents near the coast . . .it's time to rush preparation plans to completion as Dolly will likely be a hurricane within a few hours," the forecast discussion further notes.

"Well, here we go. Dolly spinning and wrapping up and on a beeline for the mouth of the Rio Grande. Given this track, which is becoming more certain as time goes on, the intense convection in the inner eastern and northern eyewall will likely affect much of the populated lower Rio Grande Valley . . ."

Discussions further note that the primary impact for the Valley remains heavy rainfall of four to 10 inches with local spots up to 15 inches.

Tropical storm/low end Category 1 hurricane force winds are expected with potential gusts sneaking above 95 miles per hour, the discussion further points out.

"But at a minimum, tropical storm force winds are likely in all areas before all is said and done."