WASHINGTON: Harvey has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane, forcing mandatory evacuations in parts of Texas and the closure of the Port of Galveston. Gale force winds are expected to reach Galveston within 24 hours, and the port remains closed to all vessel traffic and commercial activities, a port representative tells Travel Agent.
According to the latest forecast from Accuweather, Harvey has strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane with 80 mph winds. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for parts of Texas, including Rockport, Calhoun County, Port Aransas, and San Patricio County. The storm could become a Category 3 hurricane by the time it makes landfall, and it is forecast to bring dangerous flooding to southern and eastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana from Friday into early next week, with up to two feet of rain possible at the local level.
