Tropical Storm Francine Set to Become Hurricane, Targeting Gulf Coast with Storm Surge and Heavy Rain

Tropical Storm Francine is projected to intensify into a hurricane before reaching the U.S. Gulf Coast. The storm, currently in the Gulf of Mexico, is forecast to make landfall near the Louisiana and upper Texas coastline by midweek. With sustained winds reaching 60 mph, Francine is moving north-northwest and could bring up to 12 inches of rain, triggering flash floods across southern Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi.

A hurricane watch is already in effect for much of Louisiana’s coastline, and storm surge warnings stretch from Texas to Mississippi. Coastal areas may experience storm surges of up to 10 feet, particularly along Louisiana’s shores.