Category 2 Hurricane Harvey intensifies before making landfall in Texas
Forecasters said Hurricane Harvey, a category 2 storm in the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to intensify into a Category 3 hurricane, as it makes landfall late Friday or Saturday. It is possibly the biggest storm to hit mainland US since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Forecasters predict the storm may cause sea levels to surge 12-ft and dump "life-threatening" amounts of rain in Texas.
Texas governor declares state of disaster in state
The storm has forced tens of thousands of people in south Texas to evacuate. Schools and oil refineries have been shut while over 700 members of the National Guard have been deployed. Military helicopters have been placed on standby to prepare for search and rescue emergency evacuations. The storm is packing winds of nearly 200-kmph. Flood warnings in Mexico and Louisiana have been declared.
Experts warn of flash floods, Trump briefed about situation
"Harvey is likely to bring multiple hazards, including heavy rainfall, storm surge and possible hurricane conditions to portions of the Texas coast beginning Friday," the National Weather Service said. US President Donald Trump has been briefed about the hurricane and is ready to deploy assistance if needed, the White House said. Meanwhile, officials have warned citizens to prepare against flash floods.
Gasoline prices spike as refineries shut down
Coastal oil refineries have been shut while oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico have stopped drilling operations and have been evacuated. The region is home to over 45% of America's oil refining capacity. Oil supplies have been disrupted by Hurricane Harvey causing gasoline prices to spike. This comes amid increased fuel demand as people stock up essential items to prepare for post-storm disruptions.
