Texas – Tropical Storm Francine has officially become a hurricane and is on track to impact parts of southeast Texas and Louisiana this week. The storm’s movement northward intensified it into a hurricane, bringing dangerous conditions to coastal areas.
Hurricane Francine’s track
Will Francine hit Texas?
At this point, we do not expect Francine to make a direct hit on Texas, but we will see impacts.
Watches, Warnings in effect as Francine strengthens
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A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle
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A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Texas and Louisiana coasts east of High Island to Cameron, East of Grand Isle Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans
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A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Sabine Pass Texas to the Mississippi/Alabama Border, Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas, Lake Pontchartrain
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A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans
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A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Mississippi/Alabama Border to the Alabama/Florida Border, Mobile Bay
Voluntary evacuations
Galveston County has issued a voluntary evacuation order for the Bolivar Peninsula, effective through Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. This is due to anticipated tides and surges that could affect State Highway 87, the peninsula’s main exit route apart from the Galveston/Bolivar Ferry.
Storm surge and flooding risks
The National Hurricane Center has predicted a storm surge of one to three for most of the Texas coastline, increasing the risk of coastal flooding. Low-lying areas and beachfront communities are particularly vulnerable, with Galveston Bay, Clear Lake, and Bolivar Peninsula facing potential 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 the storm intensifies, with widespread power outages anticipated in affected areas. Utility companies are preparing for extensive damage to power lines.
When will Francine make landfall?
The latest update from the National Hurricane Center shows that the storm is expected to make landfall around 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Louisiana cities like Morgan City, New Iberia, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans will all be at risk for hurricane-force winds and coastal areas will have a risk for dangerous storm surges.
Spaghetti Models: Francine
Preparations for the storm’s arrival
As the storm approaches, local authorities are advising residents to finalize their preparations. Emergency kits, including food, water, medication, and batteries, should be ready, and evacuation routes should be reviewed in case of worsening conditions.
Gov. Abbott on Power Preps
Governor Greg Abbott gave an update on preparations across the state as Francine approaches.
The governor says he understands that the people of Houston may be apprehensive about another storm after Beryl, but assured Texans that things will be different.
“We expect power providers to be prepared for this storm,” Abbott said bluntly. “There is absolutely no reason for power providers to be fully-prepared to meet demands for this storm.”
Abbott recognized that the storm could knock out power, but called on power providers should be ready to restore power in “hours not days.”
Texas officials say they have been in contact with the CEOs of power companies from the coast to ensure that they are ready.
CenterPoint Energy says that 1,300 workers are clearing vegetation and 1,850 line workers have been pre-staged to respond.
The governor says he understands that the people of Houston may be apprehensive about another storm after Beryl, but assured Texans that things will be different.
“The status of CenterPoint today is different than it was at the time when Beryl hit,” said Abbott. “CenterPoint knows it is under a microscope.”
Abbott says this storm is the time for CenterPoint to show they can live up to the promises they made after Beryl’s disastrous response.
Source Agencies
