(August 24, 2020)
Two storms headed through the Gulf of Mexico threatened Texas Monday morning, with Tropical Storm Laura expected to make landfall this week – possibly as a hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. Experts predict Laura will hit the northwest Gulf Coast – including Houston – as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing with it 105-mph winds, storm surge, and heavy rainfall.
While Laura poses the greatest threat so far, the other storm, Hurricane Marco, could stay offshore today, the center said. Gov. Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster for 23 Texas counties, including Galveston and Harris.
“As Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura approach Texas, the state is taking necessary precautions to protect our communities and keep Texans safe,” Abbott said as part of the declaration. “I urge Texans in the path of these storms to plan ahead and heed the guidance of their local officials.” That guidance could include evacuation orders.