Hurricane Harvey Reaches Land in Texas
Hurricane Harvey, a category 4 storm, has reached land in Texas. Harvey is the most intense hurricane to reach the United States since 2005.
Local outlets report that multiple homes have seen their roofs blown off in Corpus Christi. The storm is expected to pummel the region until after midnight. In addition to the physical dangers, the hurricane may result in a nationwide economic disruption, depending on the level of damage.
Gov. Gregg Abbott (R) said that, if forecasts prove accurate, “Texas is about to experience one of the worst natural disasters in the history of the state.”
U.S. Border Patrol received criticism for leaving immigration checkpoints open, despite the possible impact it could have on undocumented residents’ ability to evacuate.
A multi-agency statement said non-criminal immigration checks will not be performed at “evacuation sites” or shelters. Abbott appeared on MSNBC to confirm that undocumented residents should feel comfortable using storm shelters.
The storm marks the first natural disaster test of President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump already sparked controversy for responding to a reporter that his message for Texas residents was, “Good luck.” He’s expected to visit the state next week.
THIS IS NOT THE OCEAN! This is what it looks like now on some streets in Corpus Christi because of #HurricaneHarvey https://t.co/Q37TTBqinM pic.twitter.com/JA8scjDKfh
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) August 26, 2017
