Tropical Storm Francine forms in Gulf of Mexico

Tropical Storm Francine officially formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday. The storm is expected to make landfall near Texas and Louisiana later this week.

As of 11 a.m. Monday, Severe Weather Team 2 Meteorologist Eboni Deon says Francine is moving slowly NNW at 5 mph with maximum winds of 50 mph.

Deon says the storm is expected to strengthen into at least a Category 1 hurricane upon its approach.

We’re going over the latest timeline, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.

Here’s what to know about the storm:

• Heavy rain is expected to impact parts of Texas, lower Mississippi Valley
• Storm surge could range from 3 feet to as high as 10 feet from south Texas to coastal Louisiana.
• In north GA, tropical moisture will increase across the area late Wednesday.
• North GA can expect scattered rain and storms with heavy rain at times Thursday and Friday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Severe Weather Team 2 App for alerts wherever you go ]

[INTERACTIVE: StormTracker 2HD Radar ]