MIAMI (AP) — The first tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season formed on Wednesday near the Gulf Coast, bringing intense rain and the threat of dangerous flash flooding to states including Texas and Louisiana, meteorologists said.Tropical Storm Arthur was a disorganised cluster of storms that had brought rain for days over parts of eastern Mexico and the Gulf.The National Hurricane Center in Miami said conditions were conducive to a short-lived tropical storm forming.

A tropical disturbance in the western Gulf will contribute to the risk for heavy rain and numerous flash floods across the South this week.

The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the system is expected to bring intense rain to southern states including Texas and Louisiana this week.