Harvey strengthens to Category 3 hurricane with landfall expected today

HOUSTON, Texas -- Hurricane Harvey has strengthened to a Category 3 storm this morning as it closes in on the central coast of Texas.

The storm has maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

Harvey was already expected to make landfall as a "major hurricane." The direct impact will be felt along the Texas coast later this evening into Saturday morning.

A Hurricane Wind Warning has been issued for the Texas coast from Port Mansfield to Sargent.

A Tropical Storm Wind Warning has been issued for much of southeast Texas, including Houston and Galveston.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for coastal sections of Matagorda, Galveston and Brazoria counties. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Chambers and Harris counties.

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for most of southeast Texas through Monday morning.

After landfall, the moisture from Harvey is expected to bring widespread heavy rain and flooding to southeast Texas starting Friday and continuing through the weekend. Over 25-35" of rain is possible across parts of southeast Texas. Major flooding is likely.