The National Hurricane Center now forecasts Nicholas will be nearly a hurricane before making landfall in Texas, with heavy rains spreading along much of the Gulf Coast.
"There is an abundance of large-scale cyclonic vorticity available for another burst of intense convection to tap into, which could allow Nicholas to approach hurricane strength by landfall," forecasters explained.
Forecasters say there is a 20% chance of flash flooding the next three days in New Orleans, with higher chances in Texas.
"Heavy rainfall will impact portions of southeastern Texas, Louisiana, and southern Mississippi through the middle of the week."
The Hurricane Center estimates up to six inches in the New Orleans area through Wednesday, with up to ten inches along the Texas coast.






