Tropical Storm Harold Downgraded to Depression as it Hits Texas
Harold, originally a tropical storm, has been downgraded to a tropical depression after making landfall on Padre Island, Texas on Tuesday morning. The National Hurricane Center reported that heavy rain is being dropped on parts of Texas as the storm moved inland. It formed in the Gulf of Mexico and brought strong winds and rain to southern Texas and northern Mexico.
By Tuesday evening, Tropical Depression Harold was approaching Laredo, Texas, which is located on the state’s border with Mexico. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph and was heading west-northwest at 21 mph.
According to the National Hurricane Center, South Texas is expected to see 2 to 4 inches of rain through early Wednesday, with “scattered instances” of flash flooding possible. The northern Mexican states of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon could receive up to 10 inches of rain. Tropical storm watches and warnings have been canceled for both regions. The hurricane center predicts that Harold will dissipate by Wednesday.
As Harold made landfall, Corpus Christi, located near Padre Island, experienced powerful winds of up to 50 mph and heavy rain that caused flooding on roads near the Texas State Aquarium. Utility provider AEP Texas reported that more than 8,700 homes and businesses in the Corpus Christi area were without power on Tuesday evening.
It is important for residents in the affected areas to stay updated on the latest weather advisories and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.