Hurricane Harvey, with wind speeds of up to 110 mph (175 km/h), is en route to hit the coast of Texas as a category 3 hurricane tonight.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued along the state’s coast, while countries such as Corpus Christi and Jackson County are asking residents to voluntarily evacuate.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who has declared a state of disaster in 30 counties, said: “I strongly urge all Texans to heed warnings from your local officials.
“I also urge that you immediately follow evacuation orders for all impacted counties, particularly in the Corpus Christi and Houston areas where the storm surges and flooding from Hurricane Harvey are most likely.
“Please take all necessary precautions to save your life and minimise risk.”
He added: “Don’t take any chances and evacuate when you are ordered. Also be sure to avoid rising waters and take care of each other. May God bless you and keep you safe.”
Pictures from around Corpus Christi are already showing signs of the incoming bad weather, with dark skies looming on the horizon.
But the defiant Texans caught in lower-risk areas have been busy boarding up their houses and filling up sandbags for the imminent floods.
Many of them are keeping their spirits high in the face of disaster and have been approaching the situation with a bit of humour.
One Corpus Christi resident shared an Instagram photo of their boarded up house with a “Go home Harvey you’re drunk” sign on the front door.
Another person wrote “Kiss off Harvey” on their taped up front door, while one boarded-up building boldly announced: “We ready Harvey.”
Business owners are also going to take a hit this weekend because of the hurricane, which will most likely cause power outages in the region.
A laundrette in Corpus Christi was forced to board up its doors and windows with plywood and shut down for the time being.
Many residents are also stacking up on supplies of bottled water and food, with pictures revealing barren store-shelves.
One Houston resident shared a picture of an empty bottled water section with the caption: “Things getting real in Houston”.
Another way in which Texans are preparing for Harvey, is by stacking up rows of sandbags outside their properties.
One Galveston business owner was photographed placing sandbags alongside the front door to his store.
A group of Corpus Christi residents were spotted gathering sand from a nearby field for their makeshift sandbags.