Watch Live Coverage of Hurricane Harvey LIVE STREAM

The people of Texas are bracing themselves on Friday as Hurricane Harvey continues to approach the gulf coast.

The state has already observed heavy rainfall and flash floods as the Category 3 storm (UPDATE –– 7:05 pm ET: it’s been upgraded to a category 4) draws closer and closer to the mainland. Multiple weather reports predict wind speeds will exceed 110 MPH by the time the storm makes landfall.

Local residents have been advised to flee, seal up their homes and stock up on food and emergency supplies. Multiple schools and businesses have closed down, and evacuations have led to major traffic jams between Corpus Christi and San Antonio.

Meteorologists have expressed concern that the storm might stall above Texas on early Saturday morning. Local and federal officials are currently focused on making plans to handle the devastation afterwards.

President Trump announced on Twitter that he is monitoring the situation and has spoken with several figures from states likely to be impacted by the hurricane.

I have spoken w/ @GovAbbott of Texas and @LouisianaGov Edwards. Closely monitoring #HurricaneHarvey developments & here to assist as needed.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017

Received a #HurricaneHarvey briefing this morning from Acting @DHSgov Secretary Elaine Duke, @FEMA_Brock, @TomBossert45 and COS John Kelly. pic.twitter.com/cnkRZd6D6Z

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2017

Watch live above, via CBSN.

[Image via screengrab]

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