As Tropical Storm Francine churns with growing intensity, Governor Greg Abbott has stepped up to urge Texans to remain on alert, particularly highlighting concerns for residents along the coastline. According to information provided by FOX 26 Houston, the governor has emphasized the potential for life-threatening storm surge in coastal communities and drawn comparisons to Hurricane Beryl, insisting on the need to be prepared for similarly unpredictable developments with Francine.

While the current trajectory shows Francine set to possibly make landfall in Louisiana, Gov. Abbott reminded the public to stay vigilant and tuned to this and stay vigilant until the storm passes their particular area, in a briefing, as reported by Houston Chronicle. Acknowledging the lessons from past storms, he underscored the unpredictability of such natural events, emphasizing that Texans should not let their guard down even as the storm approaches.

The governor has also turned a critical eye toward the state's utility companies, notably after the problematic response in the wake of Hurricane Beryl. CenterPoint Energy, which serves the Houston area, was specifically singled out by Gov. Abbott, who said that the company is "under a microscope" amid preparation efforts for Tropical Storm Francine. According to statements obtained by FOX 26 Houston, the governor noted CenterPoint's post-Beryl improvements but maintained a stern warning about the public's high expectations for performance during the impending storm.

With the potential for winds reaching up to 35 miles per hour and likely power outages, Gov. Abbott has expressed confidence that if outages occur, companies like CenterPoint are expected to quickly restore power, a matter of hours—not days, as was experienced previously. He stated, “CenterPoint knows from me, from state leaders, from their customers, that what happened in Beryl is unacceptable. They better be prepared. This is their time to perform. This is their time to show that they are living up to the promises that they have made,” in a briefing noted by the Houston Chronicle. Beyond electric company preparedness, the state has preemptively positioned resources, including rescue teams and supplies, extending from Brownsville to Beaumont, with the National Guard on standby.

Officials are monitoring the storm's path closely, and continued updates are expected to provide greater clarity as Francine nears the coast. Gov. Abbott has scheduled to speak again in Beaumont to deliver further guidance based on the evolving situation. Texans along the Gulf Coast are advised to stay attentive to local announcements and safety directives from state and emergency management officials as conditions continue to develop.