NPR News, Classical and Music of the Delta
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Heavy rains and flooding from Francine biggest threat locally

NWS Shreveport

Hurricane Francine is currently tracking northeastward toward the Louisiana coastline and is anticipated to bring life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds to the region later today. As of 400 AM CDT, the center of the hurricane was positioned near latitude 27.0 North, longitude 93.8 West, approximately 225 miles east-northeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande and about 245 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana. It has maximum sustained winds of 90 mph and is moving to the northeast at 10 mph. The minimum central pressure within the hurricane is recorded at 977 mb.

A number of warnings and watches are in effect for various areas, including Storm Surge Warning for locations from Cameron, Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama Border, Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Pontchartrain. Additionally, a Hurricane Warning is issued for the Louisiana coast from Vermilion/Cameron Line eastward to Grand Isle, with Storm Surge Watch and Hurricane Watch also in place for other Gulf Coast areas.

Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall in the warned area this afternoon or evening and then move northward across Mississippi on Thursday and Thursday night. Maximum sustained winds are likely to intensify further this morning before rapidly diminishing after its inland movement.

The hazards affecting these areas comprise hurricane and tropical storm conditions, storm surge, heavy rainfall, and a potential for tornadoes. Anticipated storm total rainfall ranges from 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night, possibly leading to significant flash and urban flooding.

The combination of a dangerous storm surge and tides is expected to bring rising waters from the shoreline into normally dry coastal areas. In some specific locations, water could reach certain heights above ground, with a possibility of a few tornadoes across parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.

The waves generated by Hurricane Francine are affecting a large portion of the northern and northwestern Gulf Coast, potentially causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

It is crucial for individuals in the impacted areas to take necessary measures to safeguard life and property from rising water and potentially hazardous conditions. It is advised to promptly heed evacuation and other directives from local authorities, stay updated on the latest information, and follow guidance provided by the local National Weather Service forecast office for specific area-related updates.

For more detailed information on at-risk areas and predicted rainfall associated with Hurricane Francine, refer to the National Weather Service graphics available at hurricanes.gov.

The situation is life-threatening, and urgent preparations to protect life and property should be completed promptly in the warned areas.