Harvey poised to cause massive damage to Texas Gulf Coast

By Ron Smith, Delta Farm Press

As Hurricane Harvey bears down on the Texas Gulf Coast, many coastal residents are battening down the hatches and riding it out; others are leaving town; and all are hoping for the best from what most observers expect to be a massive, destructive storm that could linger over the area for several days, possibly dumping more than 20 inches of rain.

The first concern is personal safety, and weather experts expect this storm, with anticipated winds reaching 140 to 160 miles per hour and with massive flooding, will be one of the most destructive to the U.S coastline in more than a decade. Officials encourage evacuation for all who are able and finding the best shelter possible for those who cannot.

AccuWeather reports Hurricane Harvey is expected to stall over coastal Texas and unleash life-threatening and disastrous flooding into next week. The storm could include dangerous surf, beach erosion, coastal flooding and damaging winds.

“However, Harvey is likely to be remembered for tremendous rainfall and days of flooding,” the private forecasting service said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster for 30 counties in Texas. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a statewide state of emergency on Thursday.

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