Harvey intensifies to hurricane, likely a major Texas storm

Hurricane Harvey likely first major Texas storm in 12 years

Sustained winds reached 80mph (129kph) more than a day before landfall was expected late today between Port O'Connor and Matagorda Bay, a 30-mile (48-kilometre) stretch of coastline about 70 miles (110 kilometres) northeast of Corpus Christi.

Forecasters said that a "life-threatening" storm surge along with rains and wind were likely as 'Harvey' was intensifying faster than previously forecast. A major hurricane means winds greater than 110mph (177kph).

As of midday Thursday, Harvey was about 340 miles (550 kilometres) southeast of Corpus Christi, moving to the north-northwest at about 10mph (17kph) .

Once Harvey makes landfall, it's possible the storm could then just stall inland for as many as three days, exacerbating the threat of flooding brought by tropical downpours, the National Hurricane Center said. Some forecasts indicated rain totals over several days extending into next week could exceed 24 inches (60 centimetres).