“You may want to move,” Galveston County prepares for Francine to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane.

GALVESTON, Texas – As Tropical Storm Francine approaches Louisiana and is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, areas along the southeast coast of Texas are taking no chances and preparing for the worst.

SEE ALSO: FEMA urges people in the path of Tropical Storm Francine to prepare now

A tropical storm warning has been issued for coastal cities, including Galveston Bay. Galveston County Judge Mark Henry says Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula are two areas of particular concern due to the storm's track.

Experts at the National Weather Service say Francine's cone of uncertainty is very wide, meaning Southeast Texas will still feel some impacts including strong winds and storm surge. The storm surge is expected to peak at between 12 and 36 inches (30 and 90 centimeters) Wednesday morning, causing coastal flooding that may affect roads.

RELATED: Construction on Fort Bend County roads is 'definitely a concern' if we have to evacuate due to a hurricane

Another concern for coastal residents is power. During Hurricane Beryl, more than two million CenterPoint Energy customers in southeast Texas were without power for days. Three power companies provide electricity to Galveston County: CenterPoint Energy, Entergy and Texas/New Mexico Power. If there are power outages in an area and there is a threat to private property, law enforcement officers will be deployed, according to Judge Henry.

“We expect that water could flow over the surface, especially at Bolivar. [highway] 87. So if that would be inconvenient or certainly life-threatening for you, maybe you should move for a day or two. We will get you back as soon as possible,” Judge Henry said at a press conference. “At this time we are just sending some bridge workers out there to clear the road as quickly as possible.”

As Galveston County prepares for Francine, here are more tips on how to stay prepared:

• Stay informed: Stay up to date with the latest information from the National Weather Service and your county authorities.

• Stock up on essentials: These include water bottles, nonperishable foods, first aid kits, batteries, and portable chargers for your devices.

• Create an evacuation plan: If you must leave your home, make sure you have a plan to notify your family and know what to do if you become separated. Know which roads are closed in your area.

• Prepare your home: Board up windows, use sandbags, and secure any outdoor items.

• Pets: Have transport boxes and identification documents such as a microchip or a collar with your contact details ready and provide sufficient food and water.

For more information on hurricane preparation, see KPRC’s 2024 Hurricane & Flood Survival Guide 2.