HOUSTON, Sept 14, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - Tropical Storm Nicholas strengthened to

hurricane status just as it is about to slam the US Gulf coast, with Houston
in its path, the National Hurricane Center said late Monday.

   Nicholas is packing maximum sustained winds of 75 miles (120 kilometers)
per hours, with higher gusts. The storm is expected to dump up to 18 inches
of rain in the Houston area, weather officials said.

   Nicholas "is bringing heavy rains, strong winds and storm surges to
portions of the central and upper Texas coasts," the NHC said in its 0300 GMT
Tuesday bulletin.