Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Hurricane Francine, classified as a Category 1 storm with winds reaching 90 mph, is gaining strength as it tracks northeast across the Gulf of Mexico toward Louisiana. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm is expected to land west of Morgan City on Wednesday afternoon as a Category 2 hurricane, packing winds of at least 97 mph. Coastal areas of Louisiana will begin to feel the storm’s impact as early as Wednesday morning.
The hurricane will bring a storm surge, powerful winds, and possible flooding to southern Louisiana. Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency, and several parishes have issued evacuation orders and curfews to prepare for the approaching storm.
Francine Intensifies Overnight, Hurricane Francine’s winds strengthened to 90 mph as it moved northeast at ten mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. Forecasters predict that Francine will continue to strengthen, reaching wind speeds of 100 mph in the next 12 hours. However, wind shear is expected to weaken the storm before landfall near Morgan City.
Once it hits land, Francine is forecast to weaken rapidly. Storm surges of 5-10 feet are expected from Intracoastal City to Port Fourchon and Vermilion Bay, while areas from Port Fourchon to the Mouth of the Mississippi River may see surges of 4-7 feet.
– 5 a.m. Update: Hurricane Francine intensified into a Category 1 storm by 7 p.m. Tuesday, with wind speeds reaching 75 mph by 10 p.m., increasing to 90 mph by 1 a.m. After landfall, the storm is expected to weaken as it progresses inland over Louisiana.
