UNITED STATES - As Tropical Storm Francine formed in the Gulf of Mexico yesterday, meteorologists warned that it could be a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds as it approaches landfall.

"Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash flooding along the coast of northeast Mexico, the far lower and far upper Texas coasts, southern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi into Thursday morning," the National Hurricane Center said.

As the report from USA Today noted, there is a forecast of heavy rain and damaging wind gusts that could lead to downed trees, power outages, and structural damage. This could occur from portions of northeastern Mexico to the southern U.S., AccuWeather warned.

There is a hurricane watch in effect for a part of the Louisiana coast that stretches from Cameron to Grand Isle. This means possible hurricane conditions could occur there within the next 48 hours.

A tropical storm watch is in effect along the Texas coast as well, which means tropical storm winds are possible along the coast by Tuesday evening. A tropical storm watch also is in effect southward along the Mexican coast to Barra del Tordo.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we keep an eye on the weather!