Coastal Texas city and port hub. Home to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi and a major Gulf Coast economy; eighth-largest in Texas.
A large explosion occurred at the Valero refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, causing smoke and shaking homes. No injuries were reported. Residents were advised to stay indoors as emergency services responded. The incident coincides with rising gas prices linked to global oil supply concerns.
Tropical Storm Arthur has formed, posing the first named storm of the Atlantic season. Watches are in effect from Sargent, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana, with heavy rain and possible flash floods across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.