Hurricane Francine Threatens: U.S. Coast Guard Prepares for Impact on Louisiana and Texas Coasts

The U.S. Coast Guard is gearing up for the arrival of Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to intensify into a hurricane before making landfall on the Louisiana coast this Wednesday.

As the storm approaches, maritime authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure safety along the Gulf Coast.

According to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center, as of 10:00 AM CDT Monday, Tropical Storm Francine was located in the western Gulf of Mexico, moving north-northwest at 5 mph. The storm’s maximum sustained winds are currently near 50 mph, but meteorologists predict significant intensification over the next 48 hours.

“Francine is expected to become a hurricane before it reaches the northwestern U.S. Gulf Coast on Wednesday,” the National Hurricane Center stated in their advisory. The storm’s effects are far-reaching, with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 160 miles from its center.

In response to the approaching storm, Captain of the Port at Sector Houston-Galveston has implemented Port Condition X-Ray for the ports of Houston, Galveston, Freeport, and Texas City. The designation indicates that gale-force winds are expected within 48 hours, prompting increased precautionary measures.

Similarly, at 3:00 PM local time on Monday, the Captain of the Port (COTP) New Orleans set Port Condition X-RAY in preparation for the storm’s approach.

The Coast Guard is also informing the public of the limitations on their rescue capabilities during severe weather. “The Coast Guard’s ability to conduct rescues can be diminished or unavailable at the height of a storm,” a spokesperson explained. “As soon as it is safe to operate after a storm, the Coast Guard, along with our local first responders and federal partners, will provide the life-saving support needed in storm-stricken areas.”

Maritime community members and the general public are strongly advised to stay informed about the storm’s progress and take necessary precautions. The Coast Guard warns that “Extremely high seas, heavy rains, and damaging winds that accompany tropical storms and hurricanes present serious dangers to the public.”

For those in the affected areas, officials stress the importance of using 911 for emergencies rather than social media platforms. “People in distress should use 911 to request assistance whenever possible,” the Coast Guard advised, noting the limited resources available to monitor social media during large-scale events.

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