Hurricane Emily is headed toward the Texas/Mexico border, and is expected to make landfall early Wednesday morning as a Category 3 storm with winds up to 130 mph.  Episcopal Relief and Development stands ready to offer any help that may be needed.

The border area may be hit with up to a foot of rain, and flooding is likely in both the United States and Mexico.  Forecasters predict hurricane-force winds and tornadoes as far as 60 miles from the storm's center.  People in Texas are preparing for the storm and keeping a close watch on its path as it approaches.

Emily has been carving a path of destruction across the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.  It is the strongest storm on record to form so early in the hurricane season.

On Monday, Emily struck Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with 135 mph winds and six-foot waves.  At least 120,000 locals and tourists were safely evacuated from Cozumel, Cancun, and surrounding areas.  Two deaths were reported, although officials are still assessing the damage.

Over the weekend, Emily hit areas still recovering from Hurricane Dennis, which hit the Caribbean just a week ago.  Emily caused more flooding and landslides in Jamaica, and five people lost their lives.

Grenada declared a national disaster on Friday after severe rain and wind tore the roofs off more than 2,000 homes and businesses, and ruined crops.  Trinidad and Tobago also reported extensive damage.

ERD continues to pray for families affected by Hurricane Emily.  We have reached out to partners in Mexico, Texas, and the Windward Islands (Grenada and St. Vincent).  We are prepared to offer emergency assistance as needs are identified.