Tropical Storm Alicia has undergone rapid intensification in the Gulf of Mexico, strengthening from a tropical depression to a Category 2 hurricane in just 18 hours, with forecasts projecting it could reach Category 4 strength before making landfall along the Texas coast.
Current Forecast
The National Hurricane Center's 5 PM advisory places Alicia 400 miles south of Galveston with sustained winds of 110 mph and movement north-northwest at 12 mph.
- Projected landfall: Texas coast between Corpus Christi and Galveston, Friday evening
- Peak intensity forecast: 140 mph (Category 4) before landfall
- Storm surge threat: 8-12 feet along the upper Texas coast
- Rainfall projection: 10-20 inches with isolated 25-inch totals
Preparations
Mandatory evacuations have been ordered for Galveston Island and low-lying areas of Harris, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties. Governor Abbott has declared a state of emergency and activated 5,000 National Guard troops. FEMA has pre-positioned supplies in San Antonio and Austin staging areas.
