Tropical Storm Francine Update 6 PM Sept. 9, 2024

With Tropical Storm Francine expected to strengthen to a hurricane Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard has suspended inbound vessel traffic at the Port of Galveston and all vessel operations could cease as early as Monday night as the storm approaches the upper Texas Gulf Coast. Smaller vessels should seek shelter in preparation for a possible port closure when all operations would cease.

Based on the storm current track, the National Weather Service forecasts a 40-50 percent chance of tropical storm force winds (>40mph) arriving in Galveston overnight Tuesday. Coastal tides are expected to reach 1-3 feet above mean low tide. Winds are expected to reach 30-40 mph, depending on the track. Stronger winds would be felt if the storm takes a more western track. Rain will be dependent on the track of the storm. Currently, 1-2 inches or higher in certain areas can be expected.