Tropical Storm Edouard could reach hurricane strength as it nears the coasts of Texas and Louisiana on Sept. 1, the National Hurricane Center said.

Tropical Storm Edouard was heading toward the Gulf Coast early Tuesday and expected to gain strength before bringing potentially heavy rains and flooding into parts of Texas and Louisiana.

Residents along the northern Gulf Coast were told early Aug. 31 to prepare for heavy rain as Invest 97L approaches.