A wave and/or an upper-level trough, often along an old, trailing frontal boundary generally sets off low development in the Gulf along the coasts of Texas or Louisiana. The most intense systems are associated with a pronounced jet maximum off the Texas/Mexico border.

These low pressure systems usually move northeasterly, bringing low ceilings and heavy, steady rainfall ahead of the low. The rainfall potential of a well developed Gulf Low may should not be underestimated. Low pressure systems moving toward Pensacola from the southwest pick up tremendous amounts of moisture and can produce as much rainfall as a moderate tropical system. These lows have been responsible for record rainfall amounts and widespread flooding in the local area.