As Tropical Storm Francine blusters toward the Gulf Coast, warnings of severe and intense weather have been issued.
The storm, which is due to strengthen into a hurricane later today, has triggered a Hurricane Warning along much of the Louisiana coast, as well as Tropical Storm Warnings and Tropical Storm Watches along the coast of Texas and northeastern Mexico.
The Hurricane Warning in particular advises residents of potential "airborne projectiles" due to strong winds, as well as flash flooding and storm surges.
Francine currently has sustained wind speeds of about 65 mph, and is expected to get even stronger before it makes landfall on Wednesday.
"Francine is anticipated to be just offshore of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas through today, and make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday," the National Hurricane Center said in a public advisory. "Francine will likely become a hurricane today, with significant strengthening expected before it reaches the coast."
The Hurricane Warning is in place along the Louisiana coast between Sabine Pass and Grand Isle, with wind speeds of up to 90 mph, with gusts as high as 110 mph, being forecast in some areas.
"Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are expected in portions of southern Louisiana Wednesday, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect. Preparations to protect life and property should be complete by tonight, since tropical storm conditions are expected to begin within this area early Wednesday," the National Hurricane Center said in a forecast discussion.
These winds, as well as the intense rainfall and storm surges forecast, are expected to cause "devastating to catastrophic" amounts of damage to homes, trees, and roads.
"Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months," the National Weather Center warns.
There may also be widespread power outages, and roads made impassable due to fallen trees or other debris. Flash floods are also expected, as up to 12 inches of rain is being forecast in some areas.
"Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash flooding for much of Louisiana and Mississippi through Thursday. Flash and urban flooding is probable across portions of northeast Mexico and far southern Texas into early Wednesday, and the Mid-South Wednesday night into Friday morning," the NHC said.
Additionally, "life-threatening" storm surges are forecast in many areas along the Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines, with Storm Surge Warnings being put into effect, and up to 10 feet of water being expected in certain regions.
"The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves," the NHC said.
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