Weather warnings and watches were issued for much of the central United States late Sunday as Tropical Storm Francine was at risk of strengthening into a hurricane in the coming days.
Francine was initially expected to weaken into a tropical storm by early Tuesday morning, but According to Francine, which rapidly developed in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, is expected to reach tropical storm strength by the evening and make landfall in Texas and possibly Louisiana by Tuesday night, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). forecast.
A direct hit along the entire coastline of southeast Texas and Louisiana isn't expected until Thursday, but forecasters are hopeful Francine will again weaken to a tropical storm. While sustained wind speeds may be slow, the speed at which Francine moves over land could result in significant wind damage. range The damage will be devastating, and anyone in the path of the typhoon should start preparing now for possible impacts.
10:00 PM CDT: Possible tropical storm. #6 It is expected to become a hurricane by the middle of this week. Tropical storm watches have been issued for northeastern Mexico and southern Texas. For the latest information, please see https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/H6qtd2w4cp
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 9, 2024
The system is forecast to become a hurricane before reaching the northwest Gulf Coast by mid-week. It's too early to determine the exact location and scale of impacts, but there is an increased chance of life-threatening storm surge and destructive winds… pic.twitter.com/b0MseFhImg
— National Weather Service (@NWS) September 9, 2024
Tropical storm watches have already been issued for northeastern Mexico and far southern Texas. The exact track of the tropical storm is still unknown, so please check your local weather forecasts frequently over the next few days.
Storm Chaser Reed Timmer said Followers are urging southern Louisiana to prepare for a possible Category 2 hurricane, with storm surge and tornadoes possible along the entire Gulf Coast between Texas and Louisiana before the hurricane moves inland by Thursday.
Get ready for Category 2+ Hurricane Francine to hit South Louisiana!
The latest HAFS-A high-resolution model shows a powerful, possibly Category 2, hurricane approaching south-central Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon with a pressure of 969 mb. The model also shows a slight tilt to the east… pic.twitter.com/bjlPDRo8zB
— Dr. Reed Timmer (@ReedTimmerUSA) September 9, 2024
The storm is approaching quickly, but subtle details seem to dictate the overall outcome. The longer Francine remains over the ocean, the stronger it will strike the coast. MyRadar Weather attention.
Heavy rain, large-scale flooding, urban flooding caveat The restrictions are likely to remain in place through Thursday across Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. (Related article: After historic calm, Atlantic Ocean revs up with extraordinary number of disruptions)
Two other systems are currently hovering over the mid-Atlantic. According to According to the National Hurricane Center (at the time of writing): one of these hurricanes has a 60% chance of strengthening into a tropical storm over the next few days.
