A dangerous tropical storm, Francine, is rapidly gaining strength and heading straight for the coast. Coastal communities are on high alert as experts warn of potential hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall.
Hold onto your hats – or better yet, your roof shingles – because Tropical Storm Francine is aiming for the U.S. coast. As of early Tuesday, the storm was brewing in the Gulf of Mexico with wind speeds already clocking in at a fierce 65 miles per hour, according to the National Hurricane Center.
An illustration of how Tropical storm Francine is set to hit the coast | Source: YouTube/@NBCNews
And those winds arent just breezy – theyre downright destructive. With sustained winds like these, you’re looking at a very serious situation. Winds that hit 58 miles per hour – which Francine has already surpassed – can tear through tree limbs and send roof shingles flying through the air.
An illustration of how Tropical storm Francine is set to hit the coast from the Gulf of Mexico | Source: YouTube/@NBCNews
Anything stronger, and youre staring down hurricane-force winds, starting at a brutal 74 miles per hour. So when and where will Francine make her grand (and uninvited) entrance? Heres what we know:
Port Isabel, Texas is bracing for impact as early as 9 a.m. today, with a more likely storm surge around 11 a.m.Galveston, Texas can expect Francine to come knocking by 7 p.m., but she might decide to wait until the early hours of Wednesday around 2 a.m.Over in Port Arthur, Texas, the winds will likely howl around 1 a.m. Wednesday, with more severe damage possible by 8 a.m.Grand Isle, Louisiana isnt off the hook either, as its looking at gusts by 7 a.m. Wednesday with full storm power unleashed by noon.
An illustration of how Tropical storm Francine is set to hit the coast in a post shared on September 9, 2024 | Source: Instagram/weatherchannel
AdvertisementLake Charles, Louisiana is facing similar timing, with strong winds arriving around 8 a.m. and continuing through noon.Further inland in Lafayette, Louisiana, theres a whopping 51% chance of damaging winds by 11 a.m. Wednesday, with things ramping up by 2 p.m.
An illustration of how Tropical storm Francine is set to hit the coast in a post shared on September 9, 2024 | Source: Instagram/weatherchannel
As for Kenner and Alexandria, Louisiana, Francine’s impact will be felt from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, while Baton Rouge should prepare for the worst between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Southern Louisiana is on high alert as local officials race against time, preparing for Tropical Storm Francine, which is predicted to make a dramatic landfall on Wednesday as a hurricane.
An illustration of how Tropical storm Francine is set to hit the coast in a post shared on September 9, 2024 | Source: Instagram/weatherchannel
With the potential for heavy rainfall and a dangerous storm surge looming large, preparations across the region are in full swing. Local crews have been hard at work clearing storm drains and distributing sandbags, bracing for what could be a fierce hit from Mother Nature.
Residents have been urged to take matters into their own hands and start prepping. This comes as the storm rapidly approached hurricane strength less than a day after forming in the Gulf of Mexico.
A screenshot photo of a weather reporter taken from a video of her providing an update about the potential threat of Tropical storm Francine hitting the coast posted on September 9, 2024 | Source: Instagram/weatherchannel
Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Sharon Weston Broome told locals to take safety measures during a Monday news conference. “Its crucial that all of us take this storm very seriously,” Broome emphasized.
Broome advised residents to put together disaster supply kits with enough food and essential supplies to last at least 72 hours. She also stressed that before Francine hits, everyone in the area should have a solid plan and be ready to hunker down in a sturdy structure.
“When this storm starts affecting our area on Wednesday, I want everyone in East Baton Rouge Parish to have a plan to be inside a sturdy structure for the duration of the storm,” Broome added.
Furthermore, the National Hurricane Center has sounded the alarm. The agency stated that Tropical Storm Francine is expected to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane before it crashes ashore on Wednesday.
With storm surges potentially reaching up to 10 feet and rainfall totals of up to 12 inches, Francine isnt holding back. This storm means business. As Francine prepares to unleash her fury on the Gulf Coast, the residents of Texas and Louisiana are being urged to stay vigilant.
Whether youre near the coastline or further inland, its time to keep one eye on the sky – because Francines coming, and shes bringing all the wind she can carry.
