The National Hurricane Center has confirmed that a series of thunderstorms in the Gulf of Mexico, initially identified as a tropical disturbance, has intensified into Tropical Storm Francine. Forecasts indicate that Francine will strengthen into a hurricane and make landfall along the central Louisiana coastline by midweek.
Warnings for storm surges, hurricanes, and tropical storm conditions were issued Monday afternoon for the Louisiana and Texas coasts. The hurricane center warned of a “life-threatening situation” and urged residents to take “all necessary actions to protect life and property.”
Expected Impact Francine is forecast to bring heavy rainfall, with totals of 4 to 8 inches, and local amounts up to 12 inches, across southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and the Texas coast. The storm is expected to cause significant flash flooding and urban flooding across the region through Thursday.
Currently located about 400 miles south of Cameron, Louisiana, Francine is moving north-northwest at 7 mph, with sustained winds of 65 mph. As it gains strength, the storm is expected to reach Category 2 status at landfall, with winds potentially reaching 100 mph, and possibly intensifying to a Category 3 hurricane.
Watches and Warnings The National Hurricane Center has issued several alerts as of 4 p.m. CT:
- Storm Surge Warnings: High Island, Texas to the mouth of the Mississippi River, and Vermilion Bay, Louisiana
- Hurricane Warnings: Sabine Pass, Port Arthur, Texas to Morgan City, Louisiana
- Storm Surge Watches: Mississippi River to the Mississippi/Alabama border, Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Maurepas
- Hurricane Watches: Morgan City to Grand Isle, Louisiana
- Tropical Storm Warnings: Morgan City to Grand Isle, Louisiana, and Port Arthur, Texas
- Tropical Storm Watches: Rio Grande to High Island, Texas, and New Orleans
Projected Storm Surge
- Cameron to Port Fourchon, Louisiana: 5-10 feet
- Vermilion Bay, Louisiana: 5-10 feet
- Mississippi River to Alabama border: 2-4 feet
- Texas Gulf Coast: 1-3 feet
Possible Tornadoes Meteorologists have also warned of the possibility of short-lived tornadoes in areas near landfall.
With Tropical Storm Francine expected to reach the Louisiana coast by Wednesday, officials have advised residents to complete storm preparations as soon as possible. School districts across Louisiana have already canceled classes in anticipation of the storm.
