September 8, 10 p.m.
Potential Storm Six continues to strengthen in the Bay of Campeche with winds of 50 mph and gusts up to 65 mph. However, the system does not have a defined center which is why it’s not a named storm yet. Potential Storm Six is expected to become Francine Monday evening as it begins to shift north into the western Gulf of Mexico.
Soon-to-be Francine will then track closely along the Texas Coast Tuesday and Wednesday, potentially strengthening to a category one hurricane off the Southeast Texas coast before making landfall Wednesday evening as a high-end category one storm.
It’s important to note that without a well-defined center, it’s still too early to let our guard down in Southeast Texas. Some computer model tracks bring Francine closer to Houston with a potential landfall in Southeast Texas Wednesday. Tropical Storm, Storm Surge and Hurricane Watches could be issued as early as Monday.
September 8, 4 p.m.
The National Hurricane Center has issued its first forecast for Potential Storm Six, and it is predicted to pass by or over the upper Texas coast as a hurricane on Wednesday. Watches are likely to come for our coast later this evening.
