*Harvey has now developed into a Category 1 Hurricane* with sustained winds

of 80 MPH. It is showing a much larger & stronger group of outer

rainbands with T-storms embedded, a tightening of the rotation, a clear

eye, and shows to be rapidly gaining strength to what is forecast to be a

CAT 3 Hurricane by landfall with winds estimated to be in the 113-138 MPH

range.

 

Just look at the area of the Gulf being covered with its current 12:15 PM

status in the graphic below.

 

 

With the size and strength, many low lying areas from Corpus to San Antonio

to West of Houston are in volunteer or mandatory evacuation as the storm

surge and rain estimates of 15-20 inches with locally heavier amounts to

upwards of 30 inches will place many roads under 4-6 feet of water. All

State of Texas Emergency Management Centers are in a state of full

activation or partial depending on their location. Assets are being

deployed to the targeted areas from all across the state. No contra flow is

in effect, but IH 37 will be the first to be declared as it is the first

evac route from the primary Harvey impact area. If a person is NOT out of

the impact area by noon on Friday, they risk being isolated for 3-5 days.

 

 This drain off will take 3 weeks or more if we get no added rainfall.