Francine continues construction in the Gulf of Mexico
Satellite images from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show Tropical Storm Francine brewing in the Gulf of Mexico in the early morning hours.
New Orleans residents stock up on supplies before Francine makes landfall
People stock up on food supplies at a grocery store in a New Orleans suburb yesterday as Tropical Storm Francine is expected to make landfall in Louisiana.
How bad will Francine be? 10-foot storm surges and up to 12 inches of rain expected
Dangerous storm surges of up to 10 feet along the coast are a concern ahead of Francine’s arrival in the United States. The Louisiana coast between Cameron and Port Fourchon and Vermilion Bay could see storm surges of between 5 and 10 feet.
“Water levels will be highest immediately along the coast near and east of the landfall, where the storm surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves,” the National Hurricane Center said.
In addition, 10 to 20 centimeters of rain are expected between northeast Mexico and Mississippi, and as much as 30 centimeters in some areas. There will also be “life-threatening surf and rip current conditions,” the NHC said.
Evacuations ordered for coastal areas of Louisiana and Mississippi
Residents in low-lying coastal areas of Louisiana were strongly advised or encouraged to move inland ahead of Francine’s arrival on Wednesday.
A mandatory evacuation order has been in effect since 6 a.m. today for Cameron Parish, a coastal community between Lafayette and Houston where the storm is expected to make landfall.
Grand Isle, a Louisiana city on a narrow strip of land in the Gulf of Mexico, has ordered a voluntary evacuation for residents and a mandatory evacuation for campers and RVs.
Meanwhile, Pass Christian, Mississippi, strongly advised the evacuation of the port of Pass Christian.
