Thousands Evacuated As Southeast Texas Awaits Hurricane Dolly's Arrival

MIAMI, FL (AHN) - Hurricane Dolly has developed into a category one storm, packing 85 mph winds. Thousands of residents have evacuated the Rio Grande Valley and Padre Island. Heavy rain and high waves are expected to be felt as far east as Houston and New Orleans.

The National Hurricane Center warns residents in northeastern Mexico and southeastern Texas to "rush preparations to protect life and property."

Residents in northeastern Mexico and southeast Texas are prepared for Dolly to arrive Wednesday afternoon. NHC predicts Dolly will a category two hurricane before it comes ashore.

Hurricane Dolly is intensifying and has a well-defined eye. Heavy rain bands are moving onshore, bringing heavy rain, high tides and flooding.

A hurricane warning is in effect for the coast of Texas, from Brownsville to Corpus Christi and for the northeastern coast of Mexico as Dolly moves north at 8 mph. By Wednesday evening Dolly is expected to become a tropical storm after it moves inland. A tropical storm warning is in effect from north of Corpus Christi to San Luis Pass.

At 5 a.m. the hurricane's center was 65 miles southeast of Brownsville. The hurricane will be along the coast near the Texas/Mexico border shortly after noon.

Dolly is expected to produce rainfall accumulations of 6 to 10-inches of rain, with isolated amounts of 15 inches over southeastern Texas and northeastern Mexico during the next few days. Widespread flooding is expected, along with a coastal storm surge with flooding of 4- to 6 feet above normal.

In related news, the AccuWeather Hurrican Center reports tropical storm Dolly will steer clear of U.S. oil and natural gas operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Officials, however, have evacuated oil platforms and are preparing for Dolly's arrival.