Hurricane Harvey

MMT Chief Meteorologist Steve Hamilton, here. Thanks for posting this Sharon. Harvey is a CAT 1 hurricane as of Thursday afternoon, 8.24.17. We are expecting it to strengthen over the next 24 hours and become a "major" hurricane (sustained winds of >110 mph). Based on Hurricane Hunter flights, and forecast model analysis, Harvey should make landfall around midnight Friday night, Mountain Time. Hurricane and Storm Surge Warnings are posted from Galveston to Brownsville TX. Landfall is anticipated just south of the Galveston TX area. After landfall, Harvey's winds will quickly diminish to a tropical storm strength. However, the storm is expected to linger over the TX and LA coast causing catastrophic flooding.

As I see it, the main issues with this storm will be storm-surge and flooding. Of course, wind damage will occur, especially on the north side of the storm. The expectation is that Harvey will linger over the TX and LA coast for a few days, with rainfall estimates of 15 - 25 inches between Friday and next Tuesday. The National Weather Service calls the flooding "devastating and life-threatening". That is no joke, and nothing to fool around with.

If you live along the TX coast, move inland as soon as possible. There is little chance of surviving the expected storm surge, especially on the outer islands from Galveston southward to Corpus Christi. Flooding will be a major problem even many miles inland due to heavy rainfall. Long term power outages can also be expected. If you are planning to stay in your home, you should have at least 7 days worth of food and water, a battery-operated radio with spare batteries or a hand-crank radio, flashlights, a way to keep your mobile phones and devices charged, and first-aid kits. Please, do not try to ride this storm out if you are within 10 miles of the coast. The National Hurricane Center has updated information every few hours at National Hurricane Center www.nhc.noaa.gov . I will have more updates and details for you as well.