Tropical Storm Francine is expected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane as it approaches the coast of Louisiana on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm, currently located in the Gulf of Mexico, is forecast to bring dangerous storm surge, potential tornadoes, and strong winds to the region, prompting evacuation warnings for coastal residents.
With maximum sustained winds of 65mph, Francine is just shy of hurricane status as of Tuesday afternoon, with warm waters in the Gulf providing fuel for its strengthening. Schools and colleges in Louisiana have closed as a precaution, and Governor Jeff Landry has urged residents to be prepared and follow evacuation orders.
The Louisiana coast, still recovering from previous hurricanes, is bracing for the impact of Francine, with oil and gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico evacuating staff and halting drilling operations. Weather experts point to warmer sea temperatures as a contributing factor to the active hurricane season, with Francine being the sixth named storm of the year.
As meteorologists keep an eye on two other weather systems in the mid-Atlantic, the approaching hurricane serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the season. The ocean heat content in the Gulf is reported to be at record highs, fueling concerns about the potential impact of future storms in the region.
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