HOUSTON, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- Hurricane Delta strengthened to a Category 3 storm Thursday afternoon when approaching the U.S. Gulf Coast, National Hurricane Center said.

The storm, expected to make landfall Friday night along the southwest Louisiana coast, is forecast to be a major wind, surge and rainfall threat for the southwest and central Louisiana coast. It could also cause devastating flash flooding in central and northern parts of the state after landfall, said the agency. The area is still recovering from last month's Hurricane Laura.

According to hurricane center's forecast, Delta's landfall location is expected to be less than 32 km from where Laura hit. Then, the storm is expected to head northeast across Louisiana on Friday night.

As of Thursday afternoon, a hurricane warning, a storm surge warning and a flash flood watch are in effect for some areas along the Louisiana and Texas coast.

In Louisiana city of Lake Charles, a mandatory evacuation has been issued. The city was hit hard by Hurricane Laura last month. Local media reported that residents are seen leaving the area, causing heavy traffic on some major highways. Enditem

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