Tropical Storm Francine forms in the Gulf of Mexico; expected to develop into a hurricane
Texas and Louisiana remain on alert after Tropical Storm Francine was named in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday. Francine continues to move toward Texas with winds of 50 mph. Hurricane warnings have now been issued for the Louisiana coast.
HOUSTON – Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and millions of people along the U.S. Gulf Coast from Texas to Louisiana are preparing for a potentially life-threatening hurricane this week.
The current forecast from the National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicts that a Category 1 hurricane will reach Louisiana on Wednesday evening.
Francine, which was known as a potential tropical cyclone No. 6, comes as we approach the peak of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Right on schedule, meteorologists are tracking several areas this week where there is cause for concern that such a cyclone could develop.
“While it is too early to determine the exact location and extent of impacts, the risk of life-threatening storm surge and destructive winds increases across parts of coastal Louisiana and northern Texas beginning Tuesday night,” the NHC said.
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What’s new about Tropical Storm Francine?
(FOX Weather)
According to the NHC’s latest warning, Tropical Storm Francine is located about 245 miles southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande, or about 480 miles south-southwest of Cameron, Louisiana.
Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak on September 10
Where are watches and warnings in effect for Tropical Storm Francine?
(FOX Weather)
Because of the threat from Francine, a hurricane warning has been issued from Cameron eastward to Grand Isle, Louisiana. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are possible within the warning area. A warning is usually issued 48 hours before the first tropical storm force winds are expected, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
A storm surge warning was issued for east of High Island, Texas, to the Mississippi-Alabama border, including Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Pontchartrain.
A tropical storm warning was issued east of High Island, Texas, to Cameron, Louisiana, and from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the mouth of the Pearl River, including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.
WHAT TO DO IF HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS AND ADVISORIES ARE ISSUED FOR YOUR CITY?
Where is Tropical Storm Francine heading?
(FOX Weather)
The NHC said Tropical Storm Francine is expected to pass just off the coast of Mexico’s northern Gulf Coast through Tuesday and then approach the coast of Louisiana and northern Texas on Wednesday.
Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen through Wednesday and will likely become a hurricane before reaching the northwestern U.S. Gulf Coast.
Francine is expected to dump between 4 and 8 inches of rain through Thursday morning, with up to 12 inches in some places. Rainfall will extend from the coast of far northeastern Mexico northward along portions of the south Texas coast and across southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi. These rains pose the risk of significant flash flooding and urban flooding.
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The NHC has released its flight plan for the next few days, which includes several flights to survey the environment around Tropical Storm Francine.
(FOX Weather)
The Hurricane Hunters will conduct routine flights over the next few days to determine the exact location of the storm center.
(FOX Weather)
