Storm Nicholas turns into hurricane as it heads towards Houston

Issued on: 14/09/2021 - 05:44

Local resident John Smith holds his 18-month-old son Owen as he stands near breaking waves on a pier ahead of the arrival of Tropical Storm Nicholas in Galveston, Texas, U.S., September 13, 2021. © Adrees Latif, Reuters

Text by: NEWS WIRES

Tropical Storm Nicholas strengthened to hurricane status just as it is about to slam the US Gulf coast, with Houston in its path, the National Hurricane Center said late Monday.

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Nicholas is packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometres) per hours, with higher gusts. The storm is expected to dump up to 18 inches of rain in the Houston area, weather officials said.

Nicholas "is bringing heavy rains, strong winds and storm surges to portions of the central and upper Texas coasts," the NHC said in its 0300 GMT Tuesday bulletin.

(AFP)