Port Arthur issues sandbags as Tropical Storm Arthur brings rain and gusty winds

Port Arthur is preparing for Tropical Storm Arthur, which formed off the Texas coast on June 17 and was forecast to bring rain and gusty winds to Southeast Texas.

City officials issued sandbags as residents braced for the storm, according to local reporting. Forecasters said Port Arthur could see wind gusts up to about 45 mph, while the strongest impacts were expected to stay offshore.

The storm is the first named system of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, and the main concerns for the region are heavy rain, flash flooding and coastal flooding along parts of the Gulf Coast.

Local preparation

Port Arthur's sandbag move reflects the city's flood risk and low-lying Gulf Coast setting. Even relatively weak tropical systems can cause significant water problems if rain bands slow down or shift inland.

The Beaumont Enterprise reported that rain in Port Arthur was expected mainly Wednesday evening through midnight, with conditions easing by Thursday. Local forecasts also pointed to the possibility that the heaviest rain would remain east of the city.

What forecasters are watching

National Hurricane Center and local forecasts highlighted a broad risk corridor from Southeast Texas into western Louisiana, including watches and warnings along the coast. The main hazards were expected to be rain, flooding, coastal impacts and a small risk of isolated tornadoes in some areas.

The broader warning area stretched from Sargent, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana.

What comes next

Residents in Port Arthur and nearby communities are being advised to follow city updates on sandbags and flood guidance, and to monitor National Hurricane Center and National Weather Service advisories as Arthur moves inland or weakens.

The amount of rain Port Arthur actually receives will depend on the storm's track and how quickly the system changes after landfall.