Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 9, 2024 12:34 pm GMT
Hurricane Warnings in Effect as Tropical Storm Francine Nears Gulf Coast
As Tropical Storm Francine escalates towards hurricane status, millions along the Gulf Coast are facing impending danger. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Francine could strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane by the time it makes landfall on Wednesday, prompting a widespread emergency response particularly in Louisiana, where residents are bracing for storm surges and heavy rainfall.
Tracking Storm Francine
Formed in the Southwest Gulf of Mexico on Monday, Tropical Storm Francine has quickly gained strength, now boasting maximum sustained winds of 65 mph—just a whisker away from hurricane status. It is currently situated about 125 miles from the Texas-Mexico border and is projected to follow a path toward Southeast Louisiana.
With storm surge estimates reaching up to 10 feet and rainfall predictions of 4 to 12 inches, the NHC warns that the impacts could be both severe and widespread. Areas in southern Louisiana are expected to experience the brunt of the storm shortly before landfall.
Preparations Underway in Louisiana
In anticipation of the storm, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a statewide emergency, mobilizing state resources to assist in preparations. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in Cameron Parish, while both voluntary and mandatory evacuations are in effect in Jefferson Parish’s Grand Isle, a community still recovering from the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Ida in 2021.
- Mandatory evacuations in Cameron Parish.
- Evacuations in Grand Isle following past hurricane damage.
- Public schools closed in Jefferson, Terrebonne, and Orleans parishes.
In addition to evacuations, local officials have begun closing floodgates and distributing sandbags, a proactive measure to mitigate flooding risk. The threat of severe weather has resulted in school closures across several parishes on Wednesday and Thursday.
Impacts Forecasted Throughout the Gulf Coast
Flooding, high winds, and potential storm surges are expected to begin early Tuesday along the Gulf Coast, affecting areas from northeast Mexico to southern Mississippi. As early as Tuesday, tropical storm-force winds will start impacting parts of northeastern Mexico and south Texas, with conditions worsening as Francine approaches landfall.
Residents are advised to stay informed through local news sources, as the situation continues to evolve. The NHC has warned that “Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash flooding” along the affected coastlines, lasting through Thursday morning.
Precautions and Resources
Local and state officials are urging communities to follow safety recommendations, including evacuations where applicable. For real-time updates, residents can access The Weather Channel and other local news stations for weather alerts and resources. The following steps can help ensure safety during the storm:
- Secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles.
- Gather emergency supplies, including food, water, and medications.
- Make an evacuation plan and communicate it with family members.
Long-term Weather Outlook
While Tropical Storm Francine is expected to dissipate quickly once it moves onshore, heavy rainfall may continue to impact various regions throughout the lower and middle Mississippi River Valley. As Francine moves through, it’s anticipated to provide some much-needed replenishment to areas dealing with low water levels along the Mississippi River.
There are concerns that more storms may develop in the Atlantic following Francine. The NHC has identified two additional areas with a medium chance of developing into tropical systems, but these developments are still days away. Monitoring of these systems will be crucial for residents planning their activities later this week.
Final Thoughts
Tropical Storm Francine is getting close to the Gulf Coast, and people in the area need to be alert and ready for bad weather. Local leaders are doing their best to keep everyone safe from the storm. Residents should keep an eye on updates and be prepared to take action as things change.
