U.S. Coast Guard Orders Port Closures Ahead of Tropical Storm Francine

The U.S. Coast Guard has mandated the shutdown of the Port of Brownsville and other small Texas terminals in anticipation of Tropical Storm Francine. The port of Corpus Christi remains open but under strict 'yankee' conditions. Francine could escalate to a hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

The U.S. Coast Guard on Monday ordered the closure of the port of Brownsville and other small Texas terminals ahead of tropical storm Francine.

Meanwhile, the port of Corpus Christi remained open under condition "yankee", which orders vessels to immediately depart or seek alternate destinations.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Francine is expected to become a hurricane between Monday night and Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)