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Edouard hits Texas coast with strong wind, rain
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-08-05 20:36 GALVESTON - Tropical Storm Edouard hit the Texas Gulf coast east of Galveston on Tuesday with strong winds and rain but was expected to weaken as it makes its way inland during the day.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami said the storm made landfall over a stretch of coast east of Galveston and west of the Louisiana border, between High Island and Sabine Pass.
Maximum sustained winds were 65 mph, short of hurricane strength that starts at 74 mph. It is the height of tourist season in Galveston, but tourism officials said many vacationers were planning to stay in hopes that the area isn't hit as hard as South Padre Island was by Hurricane Dolly on July 23. Beth Bronson, visiting from Allen, said Monday she's determined not to have her trip ruined. "We spend money to come here with our families. It's an inexpensive place to stay," said Bronson, 49. "If they were to say evacuate, then yeah we would do it. But otherwise no." Still, officials in Texas and Louisiana were busy Monday preparing just in case Edouard intensified. It could reach near-hurricane strength as it churns in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters before making landfall. A tropical storm warning was in effect from Grand Isle, La., westward to Sargent in Texas. A hurricane watch was in effect from west of Intracoastal City, La. to Sargent. The tropical storm warning and hurricane watch were discontinued for areas south of Sargent early Tuesday. Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued a disaster declaration for 17 Texas counties that could be in Edouard's path. The state activated a number of emergency teams, including calling up 1,200 Texas National Guard troops and six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. |
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