Tropical storm expected to scrape along Valley coast

GULF OF MEXICO (ValleyCentral) – Things are starting to get a bit exciting in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. A tropical low pressure center is now potential tropical cyclone 6 and is expected to be upgraded to tropical storm Francine shortly.

As the storm pushes north it will shove a lot of rain toward the Rio Grande Valley on Monday and Tuesday. You should expect heavy downpours throughout the Valley both days as well as strong winds near 60 mph along the coast Monday night and Tuesday.

The rainfall potential for the Valley puts us at one to two inches across Hidalgo County but three to five inches across Cameron County. Locally higher amounts are possible, so be on the lookout for flooded roads in the mid and lower Valley areas.

The most serious impacts from the storm will draw to a close Tuesday night as the tropical system moves north and away from the Valley’s coast.

If it becomes a tropical storm as forecasted, it will be named Francine.