Tropical Storm Francine Has Formed In The Gulf. Here's What We Know.

Tropical Storm Francine Has Formed In The Gulf. Here’s What We Know.

A Hurricane Watch has been issued along Louisiana coast

Source: General / Radio One

Cooler weather over the weekend came as a sigh of relief to many Houstonians, but on Monday (Sept 9), word that a tropical storm has formed in the Gulf of Mexico means new concerns as we move past the dog days of summer.

Tropical Storm Francine formed in the Gulf of Mexico earlier today and may develop into a Category 1 hurricane by Wednesday, one headed toward a landfall on the Upper Texas or southwestern Louisiana coasts.

According to USA Today, a hurricane watch was issued for portions of the Louisiana coast, meaning hurricane conditions are possible there within the next 48 hours.

Via an online post, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said officials are taking the necessary steps to make sure the city is ready.

“Over the past few days, key city departments—including the Houston Fire and Police Departments, Public Works, Solid Waste, Homeland Security, and other essential agencies—have reviewed emergency plans and are prepared to activate them if needed,” the statement read. “City officials are working together to position resources and ensure full preparedness for any scenario.”

For those keeping count, there have been six named storms in the the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, the previous storm being Ernesto which dissipated on Aug. 20.