Francine update: Path, impact, and more

Yeah, that's the thing. Look around at work and see you didn't show up today. That might be your first clue. Hey, thank you for having us in your home. Letting us be the ones to wake you up smack dab in the middle of the week. I'm Lina deFlorias and I'm Sally MacDonald. Let's get the latest on Hurricane Francine from our chief meteorologist. Mike, are some areas starting to see the outer rain bands yet? We also have our meteorologist, Alison Gargaro here as well for team weather co rage. Yeah. So we're going to focus on the effects in Louisiana where it's going to be making landfall today and then how it's going to affect you here locally today. So Hurricane Francine is not coming our way. In fact, it's moving off toward the northeast right now at about ten miles per hour. It's a strong category one. And yes, some of the outer rain bands are just now moving into the coastline of Louisiana. There, around the Vermilion Bay area, the latest statistics 90 mile per hour winds. Once it gets above 95, then it will get upgraded to category two, and that will probably happen later on today. That pressure level has been dropping the lower the pressure is, typically the higher the winds will be. And so that's why it looks like it's going to be strengthening to category two status. So what areas are going to be affected. Well during the late afternoon today that's when we expect the landfall. And really anywhere here from the northern part of this is like a Vermilion Parish, Louisiana. Iberia Parish and then down here to Saint Mary Parish around Morgan City, and then over around the home area. This whole area, Homa back over to New Orleans is going to be getting that dirty side. So heavy rain, chance for storm surge. The whole nine over there unfortunately. Here's a closer look at Lake Charles radar picking up on that I off of the coastline, our Shelby rose is in an area that probably is not quite getting in on nasty weather yet, although Shelby in Lafayette does look like we're starting to see some light rain showers. Very light rain, Mike. It's been going on for the last couple hours or so, but nothing that's picked up. We're not seeing any strong winds by any means, but I mean, downtown Lafayette is most certainly a ghost town as everyone is just waiting for Hurricane Francine's landfall earlier this week, the city's mayor did issue a state of emergency, as well as a voluntary evacuation specifically for those residents that live in those low lying areas. As well as those in mobile homes. But in terms of the state, we are seeing mandatory evacuations. That's over in the Cameron Parish, which is south of Lake Charles. We had a crew there yesterday who said that they did not see a single soul in sight. Also in Morgan City, which is about an hour south of where we are near the coast, there are voluntary evacuations in place. There Businesses and residents were seen boarding their homes up, getting last minute gas and food ahead of the storm. We also did hear from Lafayette officials on the preps. They've been doing, and they do say they are prepared for anything that Francine may bring. We are well equipped with a robust, nationally certified search and rescue team. We have high water vehicles, we have personal watercraft, we have shallow water boats, and we have swift water rescue capabilities. We have debris clearing capabilities as well. Along with the fire department. We will be there to get you or your neighbors if something happens, and it is at all possible to get you now. Sheriff Garber also said that they are going to have strict enforcement on road closures for any potential flooding that may happen once the hurricane makes landfall. We also do know that there are several shelters open throughout the city for anyone who may need to utilize that, Alison. Shelby. And hope that you'll be able to stay dry out there. We have been watching the radar and you're looking at light rain bands, but already the coast of Louisiana starting to see those heavy rain bands. But for us here in Southeast Texas, I will say overall impacts are going to be minimal inland. Now, along the coast, that's going to be a different story. So let's take you out to our Galveston County impacts, because that's going to be important. You live there. It's not the time to head out to the beach. Let me tell you that we'll be getting to Denise, who's out along the coast in just a moment. But the main hazards going to be coastal flooding, high rip current risk, but also the winds. There is a wind advisory in effect. We're likely going to be seeing sustained winds out of the north about 20mph. But gusts upwards of 35, potentially 40mph. As some of those rain bands do begin to get close, I will say the potential for storm surge is going to be pretty low. Two feet. That would be the highest possible. There's that wind advisory along the entire coast, some showers right along the I-10 corridor north of Baytown heading toward Houston, but still some of the heavier rain bands are going to be off shore. No lightning associated with this. We don't normally see a ton of lightning, especially during these tropical activity. But let's talk about the timing. Yes, there could be a few isolated showers from The Woodlands to Houston by around lunchtime. Likely going to be seeing a few more heavier rain bands throughout the afternoon, but the coast going to be seeing the biggest impacts, and that's where we find our very own Denise Middleton. How's it going? We've been checking in with you all morning. Denise, do you see the wind picking up? Maybe just a bit more? Or is it pretty much the same? Yeah, the wind is starting to pick up a little. We can start to feel a drop in the temperature here this morning. Behind me you can see the waves hitting the pier, but the storm surge is still low. Now, Galveston Beach Patrol did issue a red flag warning ahead of the storm because of course, they're expecting strong winds and strong currents. And so they're urging everyone to be extremely cautious and stay in knee deep water. Or maybe just wait a few days before heading down to the beach. Now they say they're expecting the storm surge to get as high as the seawall. Although the National Weather Service has dropped their tropical storm watch for the area, moderate flooding is expected with winds of 25 to 30mph. Now, County Judge Mark Henry did sign a voluntary evacuation order for the Bolivar Peninsula through 8:00 tonight due to expected tides and surge that's expected to impact highway 87. There's also going to be additional law enforcement at Bolivar Peninsula to increase public safety and protect property. And of course, those living along the coast know that just a little rain and high tide can bring flooding, especially in those low lying areas. They're used to the flooding when I see that, I'm like, man, I'm going to need a canoe to get to work. So honestly, the water gets pretty high. Like sometimes it's like this. You can't even see the sidewalk. I could probably swim all the way down to down there to that gas station. And I'm not being I'm not exaggerating at all. So again, everyone is urged to stay alert. And of course, don't drive through any barriers. If you do come to any flooding. Reporting live from Galveston Denise Middleton, Fox 26 news. All right, so