Former Tropical Storm Harvey could become a hurricane by the time it makes landfall later this week.
There are fears Texas could face catastrophic flooding as the tropical storm bears down on the Gulf Coast.
It could reach hurricane status and meteorologists predict potential historic rainfall over the next several days in parts of Texas and Louisiana.
Former Tropical Storm Harvey could become a hurricane by the time it makes landfall later this week
There are fears Texas could face catastrophic flooding as the tropical storm bears down on the Gulf Coast
Reports say that the governors of Texas and Louisiana have begun to summon emergency response teams.
Meteorologist Eric Holthaus predicts the heaviest rainfall likely won’t arrive until early next week, which could bring up to four feet of rainfall to parts of the Texas coast.
Additionally, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level, making state resources available for possible rescue and recovery actions.
A hurricane watch was issued for the coast from Port Mansfield at the south to San Luis Pass, at the western end of Galveston Island, at the north.
Meteorologist Eric Holthaus predicts the heaviest rainfall likely won’t arrive until early next week, which could bring up to four feet of rainfall to parts of the Texas coast
Tropical storm Harvey could reach hurricane status
The National Hurricane Center expects Harvey to stall out once it reaches the Texas coastline on Friday.
Emergency officials asked residents along the upper Texas coastline to move or prepare to move inland.
Those in low-lying areas were encouraged to seek higher ground, and those elsewhere were told to monitor official announcements closely.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the campus of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi was the only area under a mandatory evacuation order.
Leo Sermiento (L) and Emilio Gutierrez (R) fill sandbags in preparation of a tropical system on Wednesday on South Padre Island, Texas, as fears rise that tropical Storm Harvey could turn into a hurricane
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered the State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level, making state resources available for possible rescue and recovery actions
Texas Department of Transportation signage warns drivers of the tropical storm and potential hurricane