Hurricane Harvey's Landfall (Credit: National Hurricane Center)

(Photo Credit: New York Times-Credit Courtney Sacco/Corpus Christi Caller-Times, via Associated Press)

Discussion: Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a category 4, with wind speeds reaching near 115 kt.  Harvey’s contact with the land surface shall decrease the system’s strength due to friction, especially as it tracks further inland. However, the slow-moving, lingering nature of Harvey along the southeastern coast of Texas will dump intense rainfall over a prolonged period and vast territory. Compacted with hazardous winds, it is imperative for individuals residing in the threat zone to remain safe as the intensity of Harvey appears long-lasting. Storm surge along the coast and flooding throughout the inland regions are of the utmost concern, and it is crucial to note the outlined at-risk regions through local National Weather Service forecast products. The rising coastal waters will impact dry areas which will create extremely dangerous flooding conditions. Additionally, heavy rain associated will cause immense inundation within the inner expanses of Texas.
 
Furthermore, there exists an enhanced risk for tornadoes in middle and upper Texas due to persistent tropical storm conditions. The robust nature of Harvey will create the possibility for tornadic activity throughout the weekend, with the proper instability and vertical shear in place. Essentially, not one portion of Texas will be spared, with rainfall accumulations predicted to be unwelcomingly high throughout the state’s entirety, even spanning into Louisiana.
 
Hurricane Harvey is sturdy and appears unyielding for the upcoming days. The devastation as a result of this calamitous system will be unfortunate and costly, but safeguarding one’s life is priority. Hurricane Harvey’s wrath is undeniable and it is the rehabilitation of the affected areas that will reflect the solidarity and hope of our nation in the weeks to come.  

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​©2017 Meteorologist Alexa Trischler