As Hurricane Francine nears the Louisiana coast, it will continue to strengthen prior to landfall, leading weather experts to claim that it could even become a Category 2.
So far, Francine remains a very strong and powerful Category 1 hurricane. It is set to officially hit Louisiana sometime Wednesday afternoon or evening.
A Sudden Hurricane
Francine suddenly developed from a disturbance to a tropical storm — and then finally to a hurricane — in just the last week.
At first glance, meteorologists didn’t expect to see the storm form so quickly. However, now experts are warning that this hurricane could be incredibly strong.
Storm Surge Warnings
Many regions of Louisiana have been put under storm surge warnings, as authorities have warned that some of the hardest hit areas could see 10 feet.
Meanwhile, the eye of the hurricane will have damaging winds that could reach up to 90 mph.
Mandatory Evacuations Issued
Officials have issued mandatory evacuations in many parts of Louisiana, as they expect the hurricane to bring about potential flash flooding situations, as well as possible tornadoes.
Many schools and public offices in these areas have been closed. These closures will likely continue for at least the next few days.
Hurricane Francine Near Louisiana’s Coast
Currently, Francine is slowly moving over the Gulf Coast, and Louisiana’s coast is beginning to see a deteriorating condition as the hurricane will soon make landfall.
Strong winds have been seen on the coastline, prompting officials to warn the public to be ready for this hurricane.
Stay Sheltered
In these final hours before Hurricane Francine makes landfall, Louisiana authorities have issued various warnings to the public.
“Some of the outer bands of Francine are starting to move onshore! Conditions will only deteriorate throughout the day! Stay sheltered in place through tomorrow morning!” the National Weather Service in New Orleans warned.
Residents Flee Louisiana
Those in the highest risk areas of Hurricane Francine have fled Louisiana, choosing to follow the mandatory evacuation warnings that authorities have issued.
However, many people are still staying in some of these risky areas, even though the hurricane will soon make landfall.
Francine Continues to Strengthen
Francine has continued to strengthen overnight, and now experts have warned that this Category 1 hurricane could become a Category 2 before it finally hits Louisiana.
Though some experts have recently come out to state this, the NHC has said they believe it will stay a strong Category 1 instead of a Category 2.
The Threat Remains
Even though the NHC now believes Francine will remain a Category 1 hurricane, the agency is still explaining that Francine remains a huge threat to the public in Louisiana.
This hurricane has a strong storm surge and high winds. These winds could greatly damage buildings, and devastating flooding is anticipated.
The Difference Between Category 1 and 2
Meteorologists have explained the key differences between a Category 1 hurricane and a Category 2.
Category 1 hurricanes tend to have sustained winds that reach about 74 to 95 mph. Meanwhile, a Category 2 hurricane has strong winds of 96 to 110 mph.
An Eerily Quiet Atlantic
Though this hurricane season was anticipated to be incredibly active, many experts were surprised when the Atlantic became incredibly quiet — though only after seeing the earliest Category 5 hurricane formation on record.
Now, it appears the Atlantic is waking up for peak hurricane season, as more disturbances have been spotted.
Four New Troubles
The NHC has stated that there are now four new areas that could develop into new tropical troubles in the Atlantic.
At least one of these disturbances could become tropical depression in the next few days. The other disturbances have low chances of forming into something severe.
