Potential Tropical Storm Arthur Could Stall Travel in Texas, New Orleans, and More This Week

One of the first potential tropical storm systems of 2026 could make a dent in travel plans for many Americans this week.

What is being called Potential Tropical Cyclone One, and will likely be named Tropical Storm Arthur later this week, is expected to cause major travel disruptions in an area stretching from the Gulf Coast of Texas all the way to Atlanta.

Starting Wednesday afternoon, Houston is expected to get a large amount of rainfall that could bring severe flash flooding risks and potentially large impacts at both William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The rain will also hit as the city gears up to host Wednesday afternoon’s FIFA World Cup match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The rain is likely to make an impact in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, also on Wednesday, though not nearly to the extent it may in Houston. Right now, forecasters at AccuWeather say that the system could bring a forecast two- to four-foot storm surge along the Louisiana coast.

After that, the storm should sweep east through Mississippi and Alabama before moving toward Atlanta on Thursday and Friday. AccuWeather forecasters say that Atlanta could see “substantial” downpours and major delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport from Thursday into Friday.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no major carrier—including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines—has issued a travel waiver for the region. All three airlines are likely to do so, as each operates a major hub in the storm’s projected path: United in Houston, Delta in Atlanta, and American at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.