GALVESTON, Texas – As Tropical Storm Francine inches closer to Louisiana with forecasts to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, areas along the southeast coast of Texas are taking no chances and preparing for the worst.

SEE ALSO: FEMA Urges People Near Tropical Storm Francine to Prepare Now

A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for coastal cities, including Galveston Bay. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry says Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula are two areas of high concern due to the storm’s track.

Experts at the National Weather Service say Francine’s cone of uncertainty is very wide, meaning SE Texas will still experience some impacts, including strong winds and storm surge. The storm surge is expected to peak between one and three feet Wednesday morning, causing some coastal flooding that could affect roadways.

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Another concern for residents along the coast is keeping the lights on. During Hurricane Beryl, more than two million CenterPoint Energy customers in SE Texas were without power for days. Three electric companies provide electricity to Galveston County: CenterPoint Energy, Entergy and Texas/New Mexico Power. In the event that areas are without power and pose a threat to personal property, Judge Henry said law enforcement will be deployed.

“We anticipate that there could be some flooding over (Highway) 87, particularly for Bolivar. So if that’s inconvenient or life-threatening for you, you might want to move for a day or two. We’ll get you back as quickly as possible,” Judge Henry said at a news conference. “Right now, we’re just sending in some bridge crews to get the road cleared as quickly as possible.”

As Galveston County prepares for Francine, here are some additional reminders to stay prepared:

• Stay informed: Stay up to date with the National Weather Service and the latest information from authorities in your area.

• Gather the basic supplies: bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid kits, batteries and portable chargers for your devices.

• Have an evacuation plan: If you must leave your home, make sure you have a plan to let your family know what to do if you become separated. Know which roads are closed in your area.

• Prepare your home: board up windows, use sandbags, and secure any items you want outside.

• Pets: Be sure to have travel containers available, identification information such as a microchip or collar with your contact details, and be sure to have plenty of food and water with you.

For more information on hurricane resilience, check out KPRC 2’s Hurricane & Flood Survival Guide 2024.