GALVESTON, Texas — A Tropical Storm Watch and Coastal Flood Warning is now in effect for coastal Galveston County as Tropical Storm Francine moves through the Gulf of Mexico.
The Galveston County Office of Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service and getting ready for possible impacts.
"Coastal surge or storm surge, along with standard coastal flooding that could put a lot of water over Highway 87," said Galveston County Judge Mark Henry.
On a city level, officials in Galveston are at a level 2 emergency preparedness.
"We're expected at least, the seas to be 3 to 5 feet higher. It's going to push water into the bays," said City of Galveston Emergency Management Coordinator Byron Frankland.
At the beach, a red flag warning has been issued.
Flooding is possible, and for those at home, power outages are a concern.
"If you require electricity for life safety, you might want to relocate for a couple of days," Judge Henry said.
Emergency officials are working together to get ahead.
"Cleaning out ditches, trying to assist with some of the low-lying areas that are going to be flooded," Frankland said.
As the cone of uncertainty movies and now appears to head towards the Louisiana coast, Southeast Texas is not entirely out of its path yet.
There is a risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds along the coast. Coastal flooding is the primary threat, while the inland flood threat remains uncertain. (Update in Spanish).
"Be prepared, have a plan and take it seriously," Henry said.