Texas – Tropical Storm Francine will impact parts of southeast Texas and Louisiana this week. The storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves north, bringing dangerous conditions to coastal areas.
The trail of tropical storm Francine
Will Francine hit Texas?
At this point, we don’t expect Francine to hit Texas directly, but we will see impacts.
Watch and warnings in effect as Francine strengthens
- A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle.
- A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coasts of Texas and Louisiana east of High Island to Cameron, east of Grand Isle Louisiana to the Alabama-Florida border, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including the New Orleans metropolitan area.
- A storm surge warning is in effect for Sabine Pass Texas to the Mississippi-Alabama border, Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.
- A hurricane warning is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including the New Orleans metropolitan area.
- A storm surge warning is in effect from the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border and Mobile Bay.
Voluntary evacuations
Galveston County has issued a voluntary evacuation order for the Bolivar Peninsula, effective until 8 p.m. Wednesday, due to expected tides and storm surge that could affect State Highway 87, the peninsula’s main exit route other than the Galveston/Bolivar Ferry.
Galveston County faces rough seas
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry speaks about the strong winds and huge waves expected from the approaching storm and advises residents to stay informed.
Storm surge and flood risks
Tracking Tropical Storm Francine
All eyes are on Tropical Storm Francine in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to become a hurricane on Wednesday before making landfall. Where will it make landfall and what impacts will we see in southeast Texas? FOX 26’s Mike Iscovitz explains it on Forecasting with Friends.
The National Hurricane Center has forecast a storm surge of force 1 to force 3 for most of the Texas coast, increasing the risk of flooding. Low-lying areas and coastal communities are particularly at risk. Galveston Bay, Clear Lake and the Bolivar Peninsula are at risk of road closures and beach erosion due to rising water levels and strong winds.
Wind damage and power outages expected
Francine’s strong winds could cause significant damage as they increase in intensity. Widespread power outages are expected in affected areas. Utilities are preparing for extensive damage to power lines.
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When will Francine reach land?
The latest update from the National Hurricane Center indicates that the storm is expected to make landfall around 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Louisiana cities such as Morgan City, New Iberia, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans are all at risk of hurricane-force winds, and coastal areas are at risk of dangerous storm surges.
Spaghetti models: Francine
Preparing for the arrival of the storm
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With hurricane season at its peak, consumer reporter Heather Sullivan and meteorologist John Dawson show you how to prepare even on a budget.
As the storm approaches, local authorities are advising residents to complete their preparations. Emergency kits, including food, water, medicine and batteries, should be kept on hand and evacuation routes should be reviewed in case conditions worsen.
Governor Abbott on the Power Preps
Tropical Storm Francine: Governor Abbott on the storm
Governor Greg Abbott provides an update on the state’s preparations for a “life-threatening” storm surge.
Governor Greg Abbott provided an update on preparations across the state in anticipation of Francine’s approach.
The governor said he understands that people in Houston may be afraid of another storm after Beryl, but assured Texans that things will be different.
“We expect the utilities to be prepared for this storm,” Abbott said bluntly. “There is absolutely no reason why the utilities should not be fully prepared for the needs of this storm.”
While Abbott acknowledged that the storm could cause power outages, utilities should be able to restore power within “hours, not days.”
Texas officials said they have contacted coastal utility executives to ensure they are prepared.
CenterPoint Energy says it has 1,300 workers clearing vegetation and 1,850 linemen on standby.
The governor said he understands that people in Houston may be afraid of another storm after Beryl, but assured Texans that things will be different.
“CenterPoint’s status is different today than it was when Beryl hit,” Abbott said. “CenterPoint knows it’s under scrutiny.”
Abbott says this storm is an opportunity for CenterPoint to show they can keep the promises they made after the disastrous response to Beryl.
