Harvey Strengthens Overnight, Forecast to Become Major Hurricane

Harvey strengthened into a tropical storm overnight and is currently undergoing rapid intensification. It could strengthen into a hurricane as early as today.

The 10 a.m. CDT update from the National Hurricane Center reads, “HARVEY QUICKLY STRENGTHENING AND FORECAST TO BE A MAJOR HURRICANE WHEN IT APPROACHES THE MIDDLE TEXAS COAST. LIFE-THREATENING STORM SURGE AND FRESHWATER FLOODING EXPECTED.”

As of 10 a.m. Thursday, Harvey had sustained winds of 65 mph. It will be upgraded to a hurricane if it reaches 74 mph sustained winds. The center is currently located 365 miles southeast of Corpus Christi and on a north-northwest track, moving at 10 mph.

The next advisory from the National Hurricane Center will be issued at 1 p.m.

Photo: National Hurricane Center

Forecasters are predicting for the storm to reach Category 3 strength before making landfall along the Texas coastline. Rainfall estimates range from 10-15 inches, with areas in the immediate impact accumulating as many as 25 inches of rain. This along with storm surge has the potential to produce historic flooding.

Tropical storm and hurricane warnings have been issued along the Texas coast, and the National Weather Service is keeping an eye on the potential for flooding outside those warned areas. Bastrop, Caldwell, and Fayette counties have now been placed under a tropical storm warning.

Residents along the coast are urged to begin their hurricane preparations today.