Hurricane Harvey closes on Texas coast, slow-moving storm set to trigger massive floods

Mark Sumner

Daily Kos Staff

Friday August 25, 2017 · 6:47 AM PDT

2017/08/25 · 06:47

HOUSTON, TX - AUGUST 24: The bread section of a Walmart store is empty as people prepare for the possible arrival of Hurricane Harvey on August 24, 2017 in Houston, Texas. Hurricane Harvey has intensified into a hurricane and is aiming for the Texas coast with the potential for up to 3 feet of rain and 125 mph winds.(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) — Stores empty as Texans prepare for Harvey

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Hurricane Harvey is expected to reach the Texas coast this afternoon as a Category 3 storm carrying winds up to 120 mph. The slow-moving storm will also bring torrential rains as it lingers over the area for days. At 9AM EST, Harvey is expected to bring a storm surge of 6 to 12 feet and rainfall totals of 25–35 inches. The combination may result in “devastating and life-threatening flooding.”

Overnight Harvey strengthened to a Category 2 hurricane, with winds in excess of 100mph. Tropical storm force winds are now reaching Corpus Christi. Harvey is expected to strengthen even more, reaching Category 3 status before it hits land. But the biggest concern about the storm isn’t necessarily the speed—it’s the slowness.

With no steering currents moving Harvey along and no other active weather systems to push the storm up the coast, Harvey is expected to creep across south-central Texas, dropping levels of rain that seem truly incredible. Areas at the center of the storm can expect over 30 inches of rain.

Between a gathering storm surge that may reach 12 feet and a yard of rain expected in some locations, the possibility for extremely dangerous flooding is high. If you are in the region and can get away, do so. Those in the region should expect heavy wind and rain that will persist for an extended period.

Areas expected to be inundated by initial storm surge. All areas colored in this map are expected to be overrun by the surge. If you are in one of these areas—don’t be.

Expected arrival time

Tropical Storm conditions are likely to reach the coast by this afternoon. More graphical products available here: https://t.co/INZ6guNuwx pic.twitter.com/KqtPODia8g
— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) August 25, 2017

Conditions are expected to worsen rapidly throughout the day. If you are in the region and haven’t yet decided to leave, leave now. Both weather conditions and road conditions are expected to make evacuations difficult later in the day. If you are in the region and can’t get out, please be prepared for an extended period without utilities, including water, electricity, and gas.

The Texas National Guard has been activated, FEMA is preparing for a major disaster, and both professional and volunteer groups from across the country are preparing to move in. However, the extended rain and flooding may make it difficult to reach many areas.

Stay safe.

Now is the time to complete preparations. Tropical-storm-force wind gust recently reported at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/jlw3lEPTEj
— NHC Atlantic Ops (@NHC_Atlantic) August 25, 2017

Hurricane Harvey closes on Texas coast, slow-moving storm set to trigger massive floods

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