Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall on the Louisiana coast on Wednesday or Wednesday night.
A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the Louisiana coastline from Cameron to Grand Isle, and a Storm Surge Watch is in effect from High Island, Texas eastward to the Mississippi/Alabama Border.
The storm’s structure has become more organized, with a clear circulation now evident. Francine is currently tracking north-northwest at 4 kt and is expected to shift northward and then north-northeastward. Landfall in Louisiana is anticipated for Wednesday evening.
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While the initial intensification is expected to be gradual, significant strengthening is possible later. The peak intensity is projected to reach 75 kt within 48 hours, and Francine is likely to remain a hurricane at landfall.
Heavy rainfall and flash flooding are potential threats along the coast of far northeast Mexico, parts of the southernmost Texas coast, the Upper Texas Coast, southern Louisiana, and southern Mississippi. Additionally, there’s a risk of flash and urban flooding across portions of the Mid-South from Wednesday into Friday morning.
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Key messages emphasize the potential for life-threatening storm surge along the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines, the increasing risk of damaging hurricane-force winds in southern Louisiana, and the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding in various areas. Residents in the watch areas are strongly advised to heed the guidance of local officials.
An experimental cone graphic incorporating inland Hurricane and Tropical Storm watches will be available on the NHC website, though it may be delayed compared to the operational cone due to the time required for data compilation.
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