Hurricane Francine, the first Atlantic storm since Ernesto three weeks ago, is fast approaching Louisiana from the Gulf of Mexico. Forecasts indicate that the Category 1 hurricane will make landfall by this evening, bringing with it the full force of damaging winds, life-threatening storm surges, and heavy flooding rains. With sustained winds of 90 mph as of 10 a.m. CDT, Francine’s impacts will stretch across a large portion of the Gulf Coast, affecting not just Louisiana but also Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
In this article, we provide you with essential updates, forecasts, and safety precautions as Hurricane Francine nears landfall.
Francine Nears Louisiana with Widespread Storm Impacts
As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Francine is centered roughly 150 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, moving northeast. The storm is expected to make landfall in the central Louisiana coast by this evening, with little change in intensity forecasted before landfall. Francine’s maximum sustained winds of 90 mph classify it as a strong Category 1 hurricane, capable of causing significant damage to homes, trees, and power lines.
Flooding Rainfall and Storm Surge Warnings Issued Along Gulf Coast
Life-threatening storm surge and torrential rainfall are two of the biggest concerns associated with Hurricane Francine. The National Hurricane Center warns of peak storm surge levels of 5 to 10 feet in parts of southern Louisiana, especially around Vermilion Bay. Areas near lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas are also under flood advisories, with a surge expected to reach up to 6 feet. Low-lying areas from Cameron, Louisiana, to the Mississippi-Alabama border are now under storm surge warnings. This flooding threat is expected to intensify during high tide and will likely persist into Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, areas further inland are bracing for heavy rainfall, with forecasts predicting 4 to 8 inches of rain across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Some locations could see up to 12 inches, creating dangerous flooding conditions in cities like New Orleans, Biloxi, and Mobile. Flash flood watches are already in effect for these areas.
Rainfall Projections by Region:
- New Orleans: 6-12 inches
- Biloxi, Mississippi: 8-10 inches
- Mobile, Alabama: 4-8 inches
Tropical Storm and Hurricane Warnings in Place Across Multiple States
Several parts of Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Houma, and New Iberia, are under hurricane warnings. These areas are preparing for winds over 74 mph, along with intense rain and flooding. Further east, tropical storm warnings are in effect across much of southern Mississippi and Alabama, where residents can expect winds between 39 and 73 mph. The New Orleans metro area, although not directly in the hurricane’s path, is also under a tropical storm warning, with the possibility of hurricane conditions by late evening.
A hurricane watch is currently in effect for the New Orleans metro area, including Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, meaning hurricane-force winds are possible in these regions by tonight.
Isolated Tornado Threat as Hurricane Francine Makes Landfall
Landfalling hurricanes often bring with them an increased risk of tornadoes. Hurricane Francine is no exception, as meteorologists warn of an isolated tornado threat for southeastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and parts of the Florida Panhandle. This tornado threat could develop by Wednesday afternoon and continue into the evening. By Thursday, tornado risks may extend into portions of Alabama, Georgia, and even as far north as central Tennessee.
Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant, follow local weather alerts, and have an emergency plan in place for tornadoes.
Francine to Bring Widespread Power Outages
In addition to the severe storm surge and rainfall, Hurricane Francine’s powerful winds are likely to cause widespread power outages throughout southern Louisiana and beyond. Strong winds are already being measured along Louisiana’s southern coast, with gusts of over 30 mph reported by mid-morning. As Francine’s center nears the coast, these winds will intensify, with gusts expected to exceed 90 mph in some areas.
Widespread power outages are anticipated, especially in the areas under hurricane warnings. Power companies have deployed emergency crews in anticipation of downed power lines and damage to electrical infrastructure. However, residents should prepare for prolonged outages, which could last several days depending on the severity of the damage.
Potential for Flooding Far Inland as Hurricane Francine Lingers
Even after Hurricane Francine makes landfall, its remnants are expected to linger across the southeastern United States, contributing to an unsettled weather pattern through the weekend. The storm’s slow movement, coupled with a high-pressure system, is creating what meteorologists refer to as a “Rex Block,” preventing the system from moving quickly out of the area. As a result, Francine’s remnants will continue to dump rain over parts of the lower Ohio Valley and Tennessee Valley well into the weekend, raising the risk of localized flooding in these areas.
Recap of Hurricane Francine So Far
Francine first formed into a tropical storm on Monday morning, marking the first Atlantic storm since Hurricane Ernesto in late August. Since then, Francine has rapidly strengthened in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, becoming a significant threat to the Gulf Coast states. Over the last several days, the storm has produced minor flooding along the South Texas coast and in parts of Cameron County, Texas, before turning its full attention to Louisiana.
As Hurricane Francine nears landfall, Louisiana residents and those along the northern Gulf Coast should finalize their preparations. Evacuation orders are in effect for some low-lying areas, and officials are urging everyone to remain indoors and stay off the roads as conditions deteriorate. Power outages, flooding, and wind damage are expected throughout the affected regions.
With Hurricane Francine fast approaching, it is crucial for residents of Louisiana and neighboring states to stay informed and follow local advisories. Whether it’s the potential for storm surge, damaging winds, or heavy rainfall, Francine is poised to deliver a range of dangerous conditions that could last well beyond its landfall. Stay tuned for further updates and take immediate steps to protect yourself and your property.
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