Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane before reaching the Louisiana coast on Wednesday, with wind speeds reaching up to 90mph. Coastal residents are being warned of life-threatening storm surge, tornadoes, and dangerous winds. Evacuation orders have been issued for some low-lying areas, with schools and colleges closing as a precaution.
Governor Jeff Landry has urged residents to be prepared and not panic, as the state of Louisiana is still recovering from previous hurricanes, including Hurricane Ida. US oil and gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico have evacuated staff and halted drilling operations in preparation for the storm.
Francine is the sixth named storm of 2024 and is forecasted to be one of the more active hurricane seasons due to warmer than usual sea temperatures. Experts are monitoring two other weather systems in the Atlantic that have the potential to develop into larger storms. The storm’s arrival comes after a relatively quiet August and early September, with meteorologists attributing the increased activity to the warm sea temperatures.
As Francine approaches the US, residents are advised to stay informed about the storm’s progress and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety. The National Hurricane Center continues to provide updates and warnings to the public as the storm moves closer to land.
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