Mandatory evacuations are being enforced across Louisiana as Tropical Storm Francine intensifies and heads towards the Gulf Coast. The storm is projected to potentially strengthen into a hurricane by later today and is anticipated to make landfall tomorrow afternoon.
Currently, the storm is situated approximately 400 miles South and West of Morgan City, Louisiana, with wind speeds reaching 65 miles per hour. As the storm progresses, it is encountering some dry air, hindering its development, but the warm ocean temperatures are expected to provide a conducive environment for rapid strengthening.
Forecasters are predicting that Francine may escalate into a hurricane before landfall, possibly reaching a category two status along the Louisiana coastline. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the region, with concerns about higher wind gusts, particularly for areas like New Orleans.
As the storm approaches, heavy rain and strong winds are already impacting the Texas coast, with rainfall rates reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour. The storm's trajectory has been shifting slightly eastward, raising the potential for increased wind speeds in New Orleans.
By tomorrow morning, outer bands of the storm are expected to reach Louisiana, with wind gusts intensifying to 20-40 MPH by the afternoon and evening. Central Louisiana and New Orleans could experience gusts of up to 95 MPH and 50-60 MPH, respectively.
Significant storm surge of 5 to 10 feet is anticipated along the Louisiana coastline, accompanied by heavy rainfall. The region is bracing for widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches, with some areas in Louisiana possibly receiving up to a foot of rain, leading to concerns of flash flooding.
Residents in the affected areas are urged to heed evacuation orders, prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding, and stay updated on the storm's progress through official channels.
