Galveston County judge gives positive report as Hurricane Francine passes by SE Texas coast without causing major damage

GALVESTON COUNTY – As Louisiana prepares for Hurricane Francine’s landfall, many residents and state officials in southeast Texas are breathing a sigh of relief.

The National Weather Service says Hurricane Francine, which is expected to make landfall in Louisiana as a category one hurricane, impacts to SE Texas will be minimal. However, we’re not out of the clear just yet. The NWS says gusty conditions, coastal flooding and a risk of strong rip currents are expected.

This morning on KPRC 2+ Now at 8am, KPRC 2′s Zach Lashway caught up with Galveston County Judge Mark Henry on how things are looking on the island now.

“Fortunately, they are better than they had forecast yesterday morning. So, we did get some rain, some when we are seeing water come over Highway 87 on Bolivar Peninsula, it is bringing debris, but it’s still passable. The ferry service was never suspended, so we did not have any problems,” Judge Henry said.

The judge also indicated after a few more hours, once high tide passes, the county will lift the voluntary evacuation order.

• RELATED: ‘You might want to relocate,’ Galveston County preparing as Francine expects to strengthen into Cat. 1 hurricane

Judge Henry mentioned the county has seen debris come across Highway 87 from the high tide, but reassured to us crews from the Texas Department of Transportation have picked up the debris and will continue to do so until conditions subside.

• SEE ALSO: Hurricane Francine expected to cause coastal erosion in Texas, Louisiana, experts say

In addition to TxDOT stepping in to help clear debris, Judge Henry said additional law enforcement personnel were sent to Bolivar Peninsula overnight.

• WATCH LIVE RADAR: Rain related to Hurricane Francine moving across Southeast Texas

As conditions began to improve around the Galveston area in the midday, Galveston County announced that it had lifted the voluntary evacuation order for Bolivar Peninsula, allowing travelers to access the island and use the ferry as usual.

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