Francine expected to strengthen and become a hurricane upon arrival at US Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Francine is intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico and is projected to become a hurricane before making landfall in Louisiana. A storm surge warning is in place from east of Houston to the mouth of the Mississippi River, indicating the potential for life-threatening flooding.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry advised residents to prepare for the storm, urging them not to delay in heeding evacuation orders. Forecasters anticipate Francine to reach Louisiana on Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane with winds ranging from 96 to 110 mph.

The storm is approaching an area still in recovery mode following past hurricanes. Louisiana’s coastline is bracing for Francine’s storm surge, with estimates of up to 10 feet in certain regions. Officials are emphasizing the need for swift preparedness as conditions may change rapidly.

Residents in Baton Rouge are taking precautions, lining up for gas, stocking up on supplies, and filling sandbags to protect their homes from potential flooding. Coastal communities like Holly Beach and Grand Isle are under mandatory evacuation orders due to the expected impact of the storm.

In New Orleans, residents are advised by Mayor LaToya Cantrell to finalize storm plans and prepare for potential sheltering in place. The city is expecting heavy rain, gusty winds, and isolated tornadoes, with conditions deteriorating from Wednesday through Thursday.

As Tropical Storm Francine progresses, concerns mount over its impact not only in Louisiana but also across the border in Mexico, where neighborhoods in Matamoros are experiencing flooding. The storm’s trajectory indicates a northeastward movement towards the upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines.

Precautions are being taken on both sides of the border, with officials and residents bracing for the impending arrival of Hurricane Francine in the region.