Hurricane Harvey Forecasted to Make Landfall as Major Hurricane! (Photo Credit: National Hurricane Center)

Hurricane Harvey has been rapidly intensifying as the day continued and further strengthening is still forecasted overnight. The National Hurricane Center has issued Storm Surge Watches and Warnings for the coastline of Texas. Storm surge could reach as high as 12 feet, depending on tide. Hurricane Warnings are also in effect for parts of Texas as Harvey is expected to make landfall late Friday evening. The most concerning detail is the rainfall that is expected from this hurricane. Forecasters are expecting more than 20 inches of rain on the middle and upper coast of Texas. The track of the hurricane plays a key role in this scenario. Currently, Harvey is churning over very warm water with very low shear. When Harvey enters Texas, a high pressure in the western United States is going to make the storm stall. The National Hurricane Center has said that they cannot rule out even more intensification is part of the storm remains over water. After it heads inland, Harvey is expected to head eastward towards Louisiana. Evacuations have already begun and gas stations are beginning to report fuel shortages. People have been flocking to grocery stores to prepare for this dangerous storm. Officials are saying this is a life-threatening and devastating storm. People in the area need to take the necessary precautions ahead of the storm.
 
Key details to take away:

• Major hurricane making landfall on the east coast of Texas;
• More intensification is expected overnight and into tomorrow before making landfall;
• Storm Surge could potentially reach 12 feet in some areas;
• Torrential rainfall measuring over 20 inches (as seen by the graphic above); and
• Evacuations have begun.

 
Stay tuned for more updates on this dangerous storm here! Stay Safe!
 
ⓒ 2017 Meteorologist Brandie Cantrell