Tropical Storm Harold Threatens South Texas

Tropical Storm Harold , Threatens South Texas.

As of 8 a.m.

ET on Aug.

22, Tropical Storm Harold was "about 70 miles east-southeast of Port Mansfield, Texas," according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm is "moving toward the west-northwest" at about 18 mph, which is anticipated to continue through the night.

The highest sustained winds are close to 45 mph, which could strengthen before reaching the coast of Texas.

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Harold will likely move inland over the southern area of the state later on Aug.

22.

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3 to 5 inches of rain are expected to accumulate across South Texas through Aug.

23, with some areas possibly receiving 7 inches.

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Flash flooding is possible, warns the National Hurricane Center.

The danger of "a couple of tornadoes" is also present.

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Texas Gov.

Greg Abbott activated "elevated response conditions" on Aug.

21, NBC News reports.

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Texas stands ready to deploy all available resources to South Texas as tropical storm conditions impact the region this week, Gov.

Greg Abbott, via statement.

I encourage Texans to remain weather-aware and heed the guidance of state and local officials and emergency management personnel as they work together to keep communities safe, Gov.

Greg Abbott, via statement.

Meanwhile, Southern California is recovering from flooding caused by Tropical Storm Hilary, which was the first tropical storm to affect the area in 84 years.