Storm Gaining Strength Off Texas Coast

McALLEN, Texas (AP) — Tropical Storm Dolly is getting stronger and could reach hurricane strength later Tuesday or Wednesday.

As of 11 a.m. Eastern time, Dolly’s winds were approaching hurricane strength at almost 70 miles per hour.

Hurricane warnings are in effect along parts of the Mexican coast and in Texas, from Brownsville north to Corpus Christi. A tropical storm warning has been issued from north of Corpus Christi to just south of Galveston.

Dolly is expected to bring high winds and as much as 15 inches of rain, along with a coastal storm surge of up to six feet above normal. The storm’s center is expected near northern Mexico or extreme southern Texas tomorrow.

Texas is mobilizing National Guard troops to help, but officials say they won’t order evacuations unless Dolly strengthens to Category 3. As far up the coast as the Houston area, they’re telling residents to be ready in case the storm changes course and heads their way.