Lift-threatening flooding and high storm surge are possible along the Gulf coast of Texas over the next several days as now Hurricane Harvey, a Category One hurricane, spins in the Gulf. The strength of Harvey hasn't increased too much Thursday afternoon, but forecasts from the National Hurricane Center have Harvey strengthening to a major hurricane, Category Three, by Friday.
Recent aircraft data show the central pressure of Harvey has dropped to 974 mb, but winds within the storm haven't changed much from earlier in the day. Maximum sustained winds are 85 mph and the storm is moving northwest at 10 mph.
Hurricane Harvey is expected to make landfall near Corpus Christi either late Friday or early Saturday morning. High pressure over the eastern Gulf of Mexico is the driving force for Harvey, but blocking high pressure over the western United States will cause Harvey to slow down, and possibly move back out over the Gulf this weekend. Either way, a significant amount of rainfall is expected to occur over the next 5-7 days. Rainfall totals over two feet could be recorded in some places. Evacuations have already been ordered for coastal cities as residents board up their homes and travel further inland.
Click here for all the latest on Hurricane Harvey
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