24 Aug 2017 | 09:19 PM UTC
US-Mexico: Hurricane Harvey prompts evacuations on Texas coast Aug. 24 /update 3
Residents of towns along the Texas coast strongly encouraged to evacuate on August 24 as Hurricane Harvey strengthens
Event
Hurricane Harvey, currently located over the Gulf of Mexico, strengthened into a Category Three hurricane on the afternoon of Thursday, August 24, and residents along the Texas coastline have been strongly encouraged to evacuate. Although the storm was located over the Gulf of Mexico as of late afternoon on Thursday, with forecasts predicting landfall at 01:00 (local time) on Saturday, August 26, the National Hurricane Center has warned that the hurricane could hit parts of the coastline on Friday night.
The National Hurricane Center issued hurricane warnings from High Island to Brownsville, on the border with Mexico. In Mexico, a tropical storm watch is in effect between the Texan border and Tampico. Thirty counties in Texas have declared a state of disaster in anticipation of the hurricane's arrival, and the Texas National Guard said they are prepared to deploy in the event of heavy flooding. Mayors of some Texan cities, including Corpus Christie, have warned that emergency service members may be unable to assist in the event of an emergency during the hurricane.
Heavy rainfall - up to 64 cm (25 in) by August 30 - and storm surges with the potential to result in life-threatening flooding are forecast for affected areas, along with violent winds. Associated transportation disruptions are likely, including flight disruptions at Houston's Hobby (HOU) and Intercontinental (IAH) airports.
Context
Storms are common in the region during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30 with a peak of storm activity typically observed in late August and September. Hurricane Harvey is predicted to be the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Hurricane Bret in 1999.
Advice
Individuals in the above areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts, confirm travel reservations, and adhere to any instructions or advice issued by local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
