Claudette Downgraded to Tropical Storm

After briefly being considered a hurricane as it neared Baffin Bay to High Island, the National Weather Service relabeled Claudette a tropical storm as it hits South Texas, from Port Aransas to Freeport.

The storm with high winds of 70 mph is moving West at about 14 mph and is expected to continue at that rate for 24 hours, bringing Claudette’s center farther inland over South Texas than previously forecast. Claudette will weaken as it goes farther inland, according to the National Weather Service.

A total rainfall of five to eight inches is possible due to Claudette.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is seeking disaster relief from state and federal authorities as well as the National Guard, according to the Associated Press.