Texas – Tropical Storm Francine is on track to hit parts of southeast Texas and Louisiana this week. The storm is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves north, bringing dangerous conditions to coastal areas.

The Track of Tropical Storm Francine

Will Francine go to Texas?

At this time, we do not expect Francine to directly impact Texas, but we will see some impacts.

Warnings and cautions in effect as Francine grows stronger

• A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron east to Grand Isle
• A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the 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
• 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, Mobile Bay

Voluntary evacuations

Galveston County has issued a voluntary evacuation order for the Bolivar Peninsula, effective through 8 p.m. Wednesday. The order is in response to expected tides and surges that could impact State Highway 87, the peninsula’s main thoroughfare outside of the Galveston/Bolivar ferry.

Storm surge and flood risks

The National Hurricane Center has forecast storm surges 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 expected in affected areas. Utility companies are bracing for extensive damage to power lines.

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When will Francine come ashore?

According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center, the storm is expected to make landfall around 7 p.m. 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

Preparations for the approach of the storm

As the storm approaches, local authorities are advising residents to finalize their preparations. Emergency kits, including food, water, medicine and batteries, should be prepared and evacuation routes should be revised in case conditions worsen.

Governor Abbott on preparations for power

Governor Greg Abbott provided an update on preparations across the state as Francine approaches.

The governor says he understands Houstonians are concerned about another storm after Beryl, but he assures Texas residents that things will be different.

“We expect utilities to be prepared for this storm,” Abbott said bluntly. “There is absolutely no reason for utilities to be fully prepared to meet the demand for this storm.”

Abbott recognized the storm could disrupt power, but called on energy providers to be ready to restore power within “hours, not days.”

Texas officials say they have been in contact with the CEOs of coastal energy companies to make sure they are prepared.

CenterPoint Energy reports that 1,300 workers are clearing vegetation and 1,850 technicians are prepared to respond.

The governor says he understands Houstonians are concerned about another storm after Beryl, but he assures Texas residents that things will be different.

“CenterPoint’s status today is different than it was when Beryl struck,” Abbott said. “CenterPoint knows it’s under a microscope.”

Abbott says this storm is CenterPoint’s opportunity to show that it can deliver on the promises it made after Beryl’s disastrous response.