HOUSTON — Tropical Storm Francine is expected to become a hurricane at some point on Wednesday.
This places Southeast Texas on the weak side of a hurricane that's accelerating to the northeast toward the Louisiana coast.
As for our impacts in Southeast Texas, we'll see reduced rain chances, elevated tides, surge and erosion, as well as gusts of 20-30 miles per hour.
4 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center
With the 4 p.m. update, Francine had maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and was moving to the NE at 10 miles per hour. It is now expected to become a Cat. 1 hurricane while in the Gulf, with a Louisiana landfall.
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).
Rainfall amounts of generally less than an inch can be expected over the coastal areas tonight through Wednesday. As far as winds go, expect a few inland wind gusts from 15 to 25 mph. Winds on the coast may be a little stronger with gust of 25-35 mph possible.
Tides will run 1-3 feet above normal which is right on the edge of causing minor coastal flooding on some roadways. Gulf facing beaches will see lots of wave run up and can expect beach erosion to occur.
Though the track moved east, we shouldn't let our guard down. Now is the time to make sure you've got your hurricane plans in place.
The KHOU 11 Weather Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert for Tuesday.
Tropical Storm Francine forecast cone
Watches and warnings
Coastal Flood Warning in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday
- Brazoria County Islands, Texas
- Coastal Brazoria County, Texas
- Coastal Galveston County, Texas
- Coastal Harris County, Texas
- Coastal Jackson County, Texas
- Coastal Matagorda County, Texas
- Galveston Island, Texas
- Matagorda County Islands, Texas
What is a Storm Surge Warning
A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.
What is a Storm Surge Watch
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
What is a Hurricane Warning
A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
What is a Hurricane Watch
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
What is a Tropical Storm Warning
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
What is a Tropical Storm Watch
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
It is also an important reminder that we are in the peak of hurricane season and that things could churn up quickly.
Tracking the storm