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A Tropical Storm Warning, Tropical Storm Watch and Coastal Flood Advisory related to Tropical Storm Francine were discontinued Tuesday afternoon, with a High Rip Current Risk/High Surf Advisory in effect through Wednesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service Brownsville-Rio Grande Valley station.
As of 4 a.m. Tuesday, the storm was approximately 120 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande moving north-northwest at 5 mph, and was expected to strengthen into a hurricane and accelerate in a northeasterly direction Tuesday evening, according to National Hurricane Center forecasters.
A Tropical Storm Warning had been in effect for coastal Cameron and Willacy counties. A Tropical Storm Watch was also in effect for inland Cameron and Willacy counties, and coastal Kenedy County.
“On the forecast track, we expect Francine to move just offshore of the northern Gulf Coast of Mexico today and make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday,” forecasters said. “Rain bands associated with TS Francine have already begun to move over the lower Texas coastal waters and immediate coast. Periods of heavy rainfall will be possible today, leading to localized flash flooding concerns.”
The NWS advised that “long-period swells” associated with the storm would cause minor coastal flooding along beaches and low-lying areas along the bays, with up to three feet of inundation expected. Forecasters likewise warned of a high risk of rip currents and High Surf Advisory in effect.
Potential impacts on Padre Island and South Padre Island included localized inundation with storm surge flooding, mainly along immediate shorelines and in low-lying areas, or in areas farther inland where higher surges move ashore.
“Surge water could cover sections of near-shore roads and exposed parking lots, making driving dangerous,” the NWS advised.
Forecasters predicted moderate beach erosion, with heavy surf breaching dunes in normally vulnerable locations, and minor damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks and piers. Small watercraft could break away from moorings, they said.
As for heavy rainfall, the NWS warned that potential significant impacts across coastal counties could include moderate flooding.
