Francine predicted to move closer to Texas coast with local impacts starting Tuesday
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Francine is now predicted to become a hurricane overnight and brush our local coastline Tuesday night and Wednesday morning as a category 2 hurricane. Scattered showers from the outer rainbands of Francine could start along the coast as early as Tuesday morning. Our ABC13 Weather Alert now begins Tuesday night as conditions along the coast are expected to deteriorate after sunset with the greatest impacts continuing through Wednesday morning.
How is Francine expected to impact Southeast Texas?
First, understand the greatest impacts will be felt along our coastline as Francine is predicted to pass by offshore as a category 2 hurricane. A storm surge tide of 1 to 3 feet above normally dry ground is possible along with 2 to 4 inches of rain, and gusty winds over 50 mph that could lead to some localized power outages. There is a Tropical Storm Watch now in effect for our entire coastline. Inland near and north of Houston, it looks like impacts will be minimal with less than an inch of rain and wind gusts in the 30 mph to 40 mph range. Power outages look unlikely for Houston.
When will we be in the clear from Francine?
We anticipate conditions will rapidly improve during Wednesday afternoon. Our weather should return to normal by Wednesday night.
What else are you tracking in the tropics?
There are two waves in the central Atlantic with medium odds of developing over the next 7 days. Neither look to pose a threat to the Gulf at this time, but one wave might try to meander into the eastern Caribbean in two weeks. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what's happening in the tropics.
13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
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