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1 week ago
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An urgent warning has been issued for Americans to start preparing for a major tropical storm that's barreling toward southeast Texas and portions of Louisiana.
Tropical Storm Francine has formed off the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and is ramping up in intensity due to very warm Gulf waters as it approaches the coastline.
A hurricane watch was issued for parts of the Louisiana coast on Tuesday morning, with predicted winds of up to 82 mph in New Iberia, according to the National Hurricane Center. About four to eight inches of heavy rainfall are expected.
Flash and urban flooding is likely for portions of northeast Mexico and southern Texas.
The storm is expected to make landfall near Louisiana on Wednesday.
A composite satellite image from Tuesday shows Tropical Storm Francine intensifying and on track to become a hurricane before its expected landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast
Cars drive through rain bands along Peter Rd., just outside New Orleans, ahead of Tropical Storm Francine, in Harvey, Louisiana on Tuesday
Flash and urban flooding is likely for portions of northeast Mexico and southern Texas. Near the storm center, tropical storm force winds may extend up to 160 miles
From the storm center, tropical storm force winds may extend up to 160 miles.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is working closely with both states to make sure they're prepared for heavy rain, flooding and a life-threatening storm surge.
Residents in the storm's path were scrambling to stockpile gas and supplies, as well as securing their homes in preparation.
Workers from the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West close floodgates along the Harvey Canal, just outside the New Orleans city limits, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine, in Harvey, Louisiana on Tuesday
Steve Pete filled up gas containers in Violet, Louisiana on Monday to give to neighbors and the elderly if needed ahead of Tropical Storm Francine
Crabbers move their traps to inside the levy protection system on Monday in lower St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
Tips to stay safe during the storm
Make sure to have a plan in case the storm escalates. Each family should account for medical equipment that's needed, food and water.
Evacuate if you're told to do so. If you can't, make sure to take refuge in a room that can withstand high winds or go to the highest level if you're trapped by flooding.
Driving through flooded areas can be extremely dangerous, especially if there's a flash flood - accounting for half of all flash flood deaths.
Standing in floodwater can be hazardous when power lines collapse. Human and livestock waste that's mixed in the water can lead to sickness.
If the power goes out, refrain from using candles or incendiary devices, due to the risk of starting a fire.
James C. McKenzie (left) and Kelly Blanchard (right) cover an electronic sign with plywood in Chalmette, Louisiana on Monday
Workers from the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West close floodgates along the Harvey Canal, just outside the New Orleans city limits, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine, in Harvey, Louisiana on Tuesday
Two months since Hurricane Beryl
Tropical Storm Francine arrives two months after Hurricane Beryl strengthened and became a hurricane as it headed toward southern Texas, where the outer parts of the storm hit the coast with rain and intensifying winds.
Beryl was considered a life-threatening storm, with more than 2 million residents without power as it moved inland.
Tornadoes spawned by the storm touched down across Texas and Louisiana as it moved steadily northeastward from eastern Texas.
St. Bernard Parish residents fill sandbags in a Kmart and Sears parking lot on Monday in Chalmette, Louisiana ahead of Tropical Storm Francine
Delwyn Bodden, a worker for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West climbs a ladder up a floodgate to lock it closed along the Harvey Canal, just outside the New Orleans city limits, in Harvey, Louisiana on Tuesday
Bubby Longo fills sandbags in a Kmart and Sears parking lot in Chalmette, Louisiana on Monday
Senior Vice President for CenterPoint Energy Darin Carroll - located in Texas - vowed the company would do better than their performance during Beryl, in a press conference broadcast on KRPC2 Houston.
'We're ready to show everybody that we have improved.'
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an 'above-normal' Atlantic hurricane season this year due to near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, La Nina conditions in the Pacific and reduced winds in the Atlantic.
They forecast a range of 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 of which are anticipated to become hurricanes.
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