FEMA, through its Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Denton, Texas, and the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) in Washington, D.C. is monitoring Hurricane Harvey as it moves toward the Texas coast. FEMA’s liaisons to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, are also actively monitoring the track of the storm.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Harvey will make landfall on the middle Texas coast tonight or early Saturday. The hurricane is then likely to meander near or just inland of the middle Texas coast through the weekend. Some strengthening is possible, and the hurricane is expected to become a major Hurricane before it reaches the middle Texas coast. Hurricane Harvey is expected to produce total rain accumulations of 15 to 25 inches and isolated maximum amounts of 35 inches over the middle and upper Texas coast through next Wednesday. Rainfall from the hurricane will cause devastating and life-threatening flooding.

If local officials give the order to shelter in place, take action to do so immediately. The risk of rapid, severe flooding and flying debris is extremely high. If you are in a high rise building and choose to shelter in place, go to the first or second floor hallways or interior rooms. You want to stay on floors above floodwater or storm surge, but do not go to the highest floors due to wind impacts. Hurricanes bring dangerous winds. The higher you go, the stronger the wind. Stay in hallways or interior rooms above the floodwaters or storm surge.

History shows that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly. Residents and visitors in areas potentially affected by the severe weather should continue to monitor local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information, and follow the instructions of state, local, and tribal officials. Remember, if local officials give the order to shelter in place, take action to do so immediately.

Published August 25, 2017