BULLETIN: Hurricane Francine Advisory No. 13
NWS National Hurricane Center, Miami, FL — 4:00 PM CDT, Wed, Sep 11, 2024
Hurricane Francine Becomes Category 2 as It Nears Louisiana Coast
Hurricane Francine, now a Category 2 storm, is producing life-threatening storm surges and hurricane conditions in Louisiana. These conditions could lead to widespread flooding, power outages, and structural damage.
Current Location and Movement
- Location: 29.2°N, 91.5°W
- Approximate Distance: 40 miles SSW of Morgan City, LA; 100 miles WSW of New Orleans, LA
- Maximum Sustained Winds: 100 mph
- Movement: NE at 17 mph
- Minimum Central Pressure: 972 MB (28.71 inches)
Watches and Warnings
- Storm Surge Warning is in effect from the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line, LA, to the Mississippi/Alabama Border, including Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Pontchartrain. This means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.
- Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from the Vermilion/Cameron Parish Line to Grand Isle, meaning hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area.
- Hurricane Watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including New Orleans, indicating that hurricane conditions are possible in the watch area.
- Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron to the Vermilion/Cameron Line, east of Grand Isle to the Alabama/Florida border, including New Orleans.
Discussion and Outlook
Hurricane Francine is rapidly approaching landfall on the Louisiana coast and is expected to make landfall within hours. This is a critical time for preparedness and action. The storm will move across southeastern Louisiana tonight and northward into Mississippi by Thursday.
Wind and Rainfall Forecast
- Hurricane-Force Winds: Extending 40 miles from the center.
- Tropical Storm-Force Winds: Extending 140 miles outward.
- Rainfall Totals: 4 to 8 inches, with localized amounts up to 12 inches in southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
Storm Surge Impact
Coastal areas could experience a water rise of 5 to 10 feet above ground, with the most severe surges expected from Burns Point, LA, to Port Fourchon, LA. Storm surge flooding poses a significant risk to life and property, especially in low-lying areas.
Tornado Risk
Tornadoes are possible tonight across southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle.
Residents in the affected areas are strongly urged to take immediate safety precautions. Follow evacuation orders and stay tuned to local weather alerts for updates. Your safety is our top priority.