The National Weather Service advised caution along the Gulf Coast during a Sept. 9 news conference after Tropical Storm Francine formed and began strengthening in the Bay of Campeche.

What you need to know

National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan provided an update on Tropical Storm Francine as it began moving toward the Texas and Louisiana coastlines on Sept. 9.

“You are going to want to have all your preparations complete by Tuesday night,” Brennan said

Francine is projected by the NWS to reach hurricane strength before making landfall, and storm surge warnings have been issued from the Bolivar Peninsula to the Alabama coastal border. The current forecasted path has Francine making landfall somewhere along the Louisiana coast on Sept. 11.What they’re saying

• “We continue to monitor and prepare for a potential tropical system in the Gulf which may impact the Greater Houston area over the next few days,” CenterPoint Energy officials said in a Sept. 8 email to customers. “We encourage you to prepare an emergency plan. Customers who depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment are encouraged to make alternate arrangements for on-site backup capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss of electric service.”
• “While the exact path and impact of the storm remain uncertain, Entergy Texas encourages customers to prepare now. Review storm plans and gather essential supplies such as flashlights, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio, spare batteries, important documents and medications, non-perishable food items, and enough water for several days,” Entergy Texas officials said.

Stay tuned

State and local officials are requesting residents along the coast remain vigilant for any changes in the path or intensity of Francine.

“The city of Houston is taking all necessary precautions to protect our community and city's infrastructure,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a social media post. “Over the past few days, the Houston Fire Department, Public Works, Solid Waste, Homeland Security and other critical agencies across the city have reviewed our emergency plans and are ready to roll them up.”

The Texas General Land Office also provided a warning for coastal residents in a news release on Sept. 9.

“A severe storm system with the potential to bring flash flooding threats and heavy rain is expected to impact the Gulf Coast this week,” GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said. “The GLO is proud to help communities recover from natural disasters, but proper preparation is vital to keeping your family and your home safe.”