Tropical Storm Nicholas Approaches South Texas Coast; hurricane alert is extended

(CNN) – Tropical Storm Nicholas, which has been moving erratically this morning off the coast of southeastern Texas, is currently about 45 miles northeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande, according to the 11 a.m. EDT update from the National Hurricane Center (NHC, for its acronym in English).

The tropical storm is still trying to develop as it creeps north toward the Texas coast, where it is expected to make landfall later today or tonight.

The hurricane watch has been extended northeast to San Luis Pass, Texas and the tropical storm warning has been extended east to Sabine Pass on the Texas-Louisiana border.

It may strengthen somewhat before making landfall and the storm may reach hurricane intensity before moving inland, the NHC said.

Flash flooding and heavy rain will be the main threat from the storm, although storm surge, dangerous wind gusts and brief tornadoes will also be possible along the Texas coast.