Hurricane Francine has intensified overnight, becoming better organized with a more defined eyewall. Despite some signs of wind shear, the storm’s peak winds have reached 80 kt, and its minimum pressure is 977 mb. Hurricane Hunter aircraft will continue to monitor Francine today.
The hurricane is moving northeastward and is expected to accelerate towards the Louisiana coast, making landfall within the hurricane warning area later today. After landfall, it will turn northward, moving across eastern Louisiana and Mississippi.
While Francine could strengthen slightly more over warm Gulf waters, increasing wind shear and drier air are expected to limit further intensification.
However, the hurricane still poses a significant risk of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds. Rapid weakening is expected after landfall, and Francine is forecast to transition into an extratropical cyclone over northern Mississippi.
Key Messages From NHC:
- Life-threatening storm surge: A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect for parts of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines. Residents should heed evacuation orders and follow advice from local officials.
- Hurricane-force winds: A Hurricane Warning is in effect for portions of southern Louisiana. Tropical storm conditions are expected to start this morning, and preparations should be completed.
- Heavy rainfall and flooding: Francine is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and potential flash and urban flooding to southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama, and northern Florida through Thursday night. Flash and urban flooding is also likely in the Lower Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley from Wednesday night into Friday morning.
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