Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall by this evening in South Louisiana, bringing heavy rainfall and "life-threatening" hurricane force winds to the Gulf Coast.
A Storm Surge Warning is in place across Louisiana and Mississippi, and there is a risk of considerable flash and urban flooding across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama and northern Florida, the National Weather Service (NWS) reports.
"Hurricane Francine (980mb/75 mph winds) continues to move NE at 10 mph in the Gulf of Mexico," the NWS said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "Strengthening is expected to continue into Wednesday, with a landfall expected in South Louisiana by Wednesday evening."
Last night, the NWS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported there were wave heights of over 16 feet and surface wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, 60 miles away from the eye of the storm.
According to predictions by the NOAA and NWS, Francine is expected to hit Louisiana around 2 p.m. EST. Evacuation orders are in effect for many locations along the northern Gulf Coasts.
"It is critical to heed these, as conditions will rapidly deteriorate ahead of Francine, and by the time you realize you should have left, it may be too late," the NWS said on X.
The National Hurricane Center said that any plans and preparations to protect life and property should be "rushed to completion" yesterday as tropical storm conditions are expected to begin in the affected areas early on Wednesday morning.
Hurricane-force winds and intense rainfall—with up to 12 inches forecast in some areas—are expected to cause "devastating and catastrophic" amounts of damage to homes, trees and roads.
"Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures," the National Weather Center said in a post on X. "Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months."
Widespread power outages are also expected, and roads may become blocked by fallen trees and other debris.
Hurricane Francine formed earlier this week near the coast of Mexico, originating as a Tropical Storm before intensifying to hurricane on Tuesday evening. Francine is expected to return to its storm status at 1 a.m. EST on Thursday morning, fizzling out by Friday afternoon.
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