Tropical Storm Laura: Will likely become hurricane today; watches issued for parts of SE Texas coast

HOUSTON — People in Houston and all along the Gulf coast are keeping a very close eye on Tropical Storm Laura. The National Hurricane Center‘s latest track has it making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane sometime Wednesday into Thursday along the western Louisiana coast or East Texas coastline. 

The National Weather Service issued a tropical storm watch for Montgomery, Liberty, Harris and Galveston counties and a hurricane watch for from Port Bolivar, Texas, to the west of Morgan City, Louisiana. 

A storm surge watch is in effect from San Luis Pass, Texas, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, including Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Borgne for areas outside of the southeast Louisiana Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System.

Since parts of the Houston area are in the forecast cone for Tropical Storm Laura, we’ll need to watch it closely. There is still a lot of uncertainty with the storm.

It’s not expected to stall once inland. If anything, this would be a big wind and storm surge event for the Houston area if it shifts our way. 

As of Monday night, Laura was about 140 miles from the western tip of Cuba. The cone stretches from Galveston Bay to Vermilion Bay. It’s currently moving west-northwest at 20 miles per hour as it moves over the western edge of Cuba.

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The long-range track remains uncertain. Intensity is the least predictable factor of tropical weather and Laura could be significantly stronger, even possibly a major hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico by early this week.

After fizzling out and coming ashore as a tropical storm, Marco was downgraded to a tropical depression Monday night. 

With the threat of Laura, Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday declared a state disaster to assist Texans who could be affected by the storms. Abbott announced Monday morning that FEMA had approved the declaration.  

The state disaster declaration was issued for 23 counties, including all coastal surge counties, plus Bexar County, which will be for staging and sheltering.

The following counties are included in the disaster declaration: Aransas, Bexar, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, and Willacy

RELATED: Hurricane preparation tips for insurance: Before, during and after the storm

It’s way too early to know the exact intensity and track of Laura, but the one thing you can count on — you’ll be better off if you’re prepared.

Here is a list of important items you should have at home or take with you if you evacuate:

• Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3-7 days; also fill bathtub and other containers; Gator Aid is good to fend off dehydration
• Food – at least enough for 3-7 days; non-perishable packaged or canned food; juices; foods for infants or elderly family members; snack foods; food for special diets
• Non-electric can opener
• Cooking tools, fuel
• Paper plates and cups, plastic utensils
• Bedding: Blankets, Pillows, etc.
• Clothing
• Rain gear
• Sturdy shoes
• First Aid Kit, Medicines, Prescription Drugs
• Toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags
• Toiletries, hand sanitizer, hygiene items, moisture wipes, dry shampoo
• Flashlight, batteries, lantern
• Radio: Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
• Telephones: Fully charged cell phone with extra battery; chargers; traditional (not cordless) telephone set
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards: Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
• Important documents: Place in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag: Should include insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, prescriptions, etc.
• Tools: Keep a set with you during the storm
• Gas: Fill up your vehicles several days before landfall is expected; Gas stations could lose power during a storm and supply trucks may not be able to reach the area
• Pet care items: Proper identification, immunization records, medications, ample supply of food and water; a carrier or cage; muzzle and/ or leash
• Bleach without lemon or any other additives
• Fire extinguisher
• Mosquito repellent
• Keys
• Toys, books and games for children
• Duct tape
• Cell Phone charging stations – locations where you can charge mobile devices