Tropical Storm Nicholas strengthened into a hurricane late on Monday as it approached the Texas coast. It is set to bring heavy rain, storm surge, and high winds that could cause widespread and life-threatening flooding to the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana through the middle of the week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in an update on Monday night that the Category 1 hurricane, with winds of 75 mph, was about 45 miles southwest of Freeport Texas. Portions of southeastern Texas, Louisiana, and southern Mississippi are expected to be impacted by heavy rainfall, the NHC said, warning of potential life-threatening flash and urban flooding along the eastern Texas coast into southwestern Louisiana. The center said there is also danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation along the Texas coast from Port Aransas to Sabine Pass, and advised residents in these areas to follow advice given by local officials. “It will …