Tropical Storm Humberto

Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Waves are stronger than normal on the Gulf Coast near High Island on the Bolivar Peninsula on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007. Tropical Storm Humberto is expected to make landfall overnight according to the National Hurricane Center.

Tropical Storm Humberto is expected to possibly make hurricane status before making landfall this morning somewhere between High Island and Sabine Pass. It is a slow-moving storm and is expected to bring between five to 15 inches of rain as it passes through the area.

Area residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel. Avoid underpasses and don't attempt to drive through water unless the road is clearly visible.

The Beaumont Enterprise will present up-to-the-minute reports on local conditions throughout Thursday. Please check the Web site as we'll be transmitting from the field and updating frequently. The photo staff will begin reporting shortly after sunrise (or light allows). The photo stream should begin about 7 a.m. Central Time.

The newspaper has developed Texas Hurricane News. It's a comprehensive site with checklists, evacuation maps, hurricane tracking maps, post-storm advice and other features. It contains useful advice for anyone living along the Gulf or East coasts. The NOAA color-enhanced Gulf IR images are updated each 15 minutes.

Lamar University, LIT and their affiliates are closed Thursday. Many school districts and businesses throughout Southeast Texas will be closed on Thursday due to anticipated flooding. Other school districts plan late openings or other delays. The newspaper is tracking school closings and road conditions on this page. Otherwise, please check your local school district Web sites for more information.

Good luck, stay dry and stay safe,

Post script: Humberto amplified from a tropical storm into a strong Cat. 1 Hurricane and hit five miles from where this image was made about 12 hours after the image was made.