Ocean tide levels were up to one and a half feet higher than normal Monday at South Padre Island as Tropical Storm Francine began forming on the Gulf of Mexico.

People along the coast say they’re preparing for worse weather to come.

“You're not advised to go out to the water or swim or get into the water,” SPI Fire Chief Jim Pigg said. "Right now we're just monitoring it and making sure that we're ready for any flooding type situations."

According to the Associated Press, Tropical Storm Francine is expected to affect coastal Mexico and Texas before making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday. 

Inland flooding on streets and parking lots was seen at the island as residents prepared for the potential for worse weather.

The Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway will remain open unless sustained wind speeds reach or exceed 45 miles an hour. 

AEP Texas says it has extra crews on standby for power outages.  

Watch the video above for the full story. 

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