Tropical Storm Barry forecast: Flooding the greatest threat for Louisiana

HOUSTON — Tropical Storm Barry is getting a bit more organized and nearing the coastline of Louisiana. 

Barry is expected to make landfall early Saturday morning with winds near category one hurricane force of 70-75 mph. Barry will have life-threatening impacts along the Louisiana coast and inland, where rain totals could exceed 15 to 20 inches.

Heavy rain will continue across Louisiana both Saturday and Sunday.

TRACK BARRY: Barry interactive map, expected rainfall and more

LIVE BLOG: State of emergency in Louisiana with mandatory evacuations

HOUSTON FORECAST: Increasing rain chance Friday and Saturday

Houston is on the "weak" or dry side of the storm. That does not mean we won't see scattered thunderstorms from time to time. But for Friday night, it means a north breeze and lower humidity compared to a "normal" muggy July evening. 

Saturday: Rain chances go up to 40 percent with highs in the low 90s

Sunday: Rain chances stay at 40 percent with a few heavy thunderstorms possible. Highs near 90 degrees.

LINKS YOU CAN USE:

• Hurricane Season: What to know, what to do
• Do you have your KHOU 11 severe weather guide?
• Disaster supply list: What you'll need if a hurricane is coming
• Gulf Watch: Gulf Coast radars, important links, emergency numbers
• Here's everything you need to know about flood insurance

What do you need to do during a threat from the tropics?

• Make sure you check on the weather at least twice a day; once in the morning and once in the evening.
• Check your hurricane supply kits. Make sure you're ready in the event we get a storm, which at this time remains very uncertain.
• Go over your storm plan with your family. Where would you go? What route would you take if asked to evacuate?
• Stay informed. Check in with us twice a day. Once in the morning and once before you go to bed so you don't get caught off guard.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RED CROSS HURRICANE SAFETY CHECKLIST.

LIVE INTERACTIVE TRACKING MAP

What are high pressure cells?

These are the steering currents that guide where a tropical storm or hurricane will make landfall.

Think of high pressure cells as bumpers. Hurricanes, as ferocious as they are, are lazy and don't put up a fight with high pressure. They just go as they are told so-to-speak. As long as a high is over you, you're good. The area of high pressure that was centered over us is backing westward and that will allow a small opening for a big moisture source.

For the latest updates on Tropical Storm Barry, click here or watch playlist below.