A tropical storm warning has been issued for inland Cameron County, the National Weather Service in Brownsville reports.
UPDATE: 3 p.m.
The National Hurricane Center says winds of 125 mph (201 kph) are expected as Hurricane Harvey approaches the Texas coast.
The center said Thursday afternoon that Harvey is expected to become a major hurricane by Friday before it reaches the middle Texas coast. As the hurricane approaches Texas, the hurricane’s winds have increased to 85 mph (138 kph).
Center spokesman Dennis Feltgen says, “We’re forecasting continuing intensification right up until landfall.”
The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Texas on Friday night or early Saturday, then stall near the middle Texas coast through the weekend.
The hurricane is expected to produce up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain and up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain in isolated areas over the middle and upper Texas coast through early next week.
UPDATE: 2 p.m.
The City of Port Isabel says no evacuation order has been given for general public, but owners of RVs and high profile vehicles are under a voluntary evacuation. This evacuation should be completed by today at sunset.
No shelters have been opened in the area and anyone choosing to voluntarily evacuate should avoid the Houston, San Antonio and Austin areas, as heavy rains are anticipated there.
Sandbags are available at Port Isabel Public Works, 217 W Hickman, until 8:00 pm today. Limit of 6 bags per household and 12 per business.
Special brush pick-up has concluded. No garbage or brush pickup will occur until next week.
Amigos del Valle is canceled for Friday. PI Library, PI Chamber of Commerce, Museums of Port Isabel and Port Isabel Event Center are closed until Monday, August 28th. Isabel Y. Garcia Animal Shelter will close today at 4:00 pm. Port Isabel City Hall is open. Fire, Police and EMS will be in operation throughout the storm.”
The Port Isabel Public Library & Museums of Port Isabel will be closed Thursday, August 24th. The Library will re-open Monday, August 28th, Museums will re-open on Tuesday, August 29th.
UPDATE: 1 p.m.
The National Weather Service says Hurricane Harvey is rapidly intensifying. Forecasters say preparations along the middle Texas Coast should be rushed to completion today.
UPDATE: 10:30 a.m.
Tropical Storm Harvey is now expected to be a major hurricane when it approaches the middle of the Texas coast, according to the National Hurricane Center. It’s currently moving north-northwest at 10 miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of up to 65 mph.
The center warned of “life-threatening storm surge and freshwater flooding” to be expected.
UPDATE: 9 a.m.
A tropical storm warning has been issued for inland Cameron County, the National Weather Service in Brownsville reports.
A tropical storm warning means tropical storm wind conditions are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.
The affected areas include the cities of Brownsville, Harlingen and La Feria.
Tropical storm force winds will peak at 30 to 40 mph with gusts of 50 mph. The window for tropical storm force winds are Friday morning until Sunday morning, the NWS reports.
Rainfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are possible, with locally higher amounts.
Moderal rainfall flooding may prompt several evacuations and rescues.
