National Hurricane Center Forecast Cone For Francine Has Shifted East

Louisiana - As of the 4 am advisory from the National Hurricane Center, the forecast cone for the center of Francine has shifted further to the east, but coastal areas of Louisiana, including Southwest Louisiana, remain under a hurricane warning.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for areas including High Island, Texas, to the Mouth of the Mississippi River, Louisiana, and Vermilion Bay. A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the Louisiana coast from Sabine Pass eastward to Morgan City.

Francine is currently located near latitude 24.4 North, longitude 96.2 West, and is moving toward the north-northwest at a slow 5 mph. The storm is expected to turn northeast with an increase in forward speed, making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday.

Maximum sustained winds have reached 65 mph, with higher gusts, and Francine is likely to become a hurricane today. Significant strengthening is expected before it reaches the coast, with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 140 miles from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 992 mb, and hurricane conditions are expected within the hurricane warning area on Wednesday. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area in Mexico and south Texas through this afternoon, and are possible in the watch area along the northeastern coast of Mexico for the next several hours.

Heavy rainfall is also expected, with storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, and local amounts up to 12 inches, across much of Louisiana and Mississippi through Friday morning. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash and urban flooding.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to take necessary precautions and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Coastal Watches/Warnings and Forecast Cone for Storm Center of Francine