On Tuesday night, Francine strengthened into a stronger hurricane as it approached the Louisiana coast, bringing with it strong winds and storm surges that could be deadly.
According to AccuWeather meteorologists, Francine will strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 96-110 mph over the next 24 hours before The coast of Louisiana is hit by a life-threatening storm surge.
Here’s where Hurricane Francine is, where it’s heading next, the week’s forecast, and the threat of flooding as it moves inland into Louisiana.
“With Francine now having a well-organized core, significant strengthening appears likely by Wednesday morning while the system remains over very warm waters and under low wind shear conditions,” the National Hurricane Center said in a forecast discussion Tuesday.
Where is Hurricane Francine now?
Where dangerous storm surges can occur
The National Hurricane Center says flooding could reach 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) in some areas of southern Louisiana, including Vermilion Bay, if the storm surge arrives at high tide. Flooding is also forecast on the beaches of Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, where tides could reach 6 feet (1.8 meters).
“The worst of the storm surge will occur east of the circulation center where Francine makes landfall. A storm surge of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) can cause severe damage,” said Bernie Rayno, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather.
Flash flood risk from Hurricane Francine
Following Francine’s landfall, heavy rains and wind gusts are expected across eastern Louisiana and parts of Mississippi, continuing through tonight. Later this week, Francine’s rains and their aftermath will impact more areas of the Southeast, extending as far north as the Tennessee and lower Ohio valleys, according to Weather.com.
How should coastal residents prepare for Hurricane Francine?
The Hurricane Center advises:
◾ Protect your home – cover windows, secure doors and loose outdoor items.
◾ Determine your accommodation options and consider your pets.
◾ Prepare your emergency bags, medications and supplies.
◾ Keep non-perishable food, water and medicines on hand for several days.
◾ Charge your phone and refuel or charge your vehicles.
◾ Help your neighbors, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
◾ Follow all evacuation instructions.
CAST John Bacon, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Thao Nguyen
Source: NOAA, GOES, Weather.com and USA TODAY Research
