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Where is Hurricane Francine? Maps show the path, flood risk and more.

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Where is Hurricane Francine? Maps show the path, flood risk and more.

On Tuesday evening, Francine intensified into a stronger hurricane as it neared the Louisiana coast. It is expected to bring strong winds and potentially fatal storm surges.

AccuWeather meteorologists say Francine is forecast to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 96-110 mph over the next 24 hours. hitting the Louisiana coast with life-threatening storm surge.

Here’s a look at where Hurricane Francine is, where it’s headed next, the forecast for the week and the risk of flooding as it moves inland across Louisiana.

“Now that Francine has a well-organized core, significant strengthening appears likely through Wednesday morning while the system remains over very warm waters and low wind shear,” the National Hurricane Center said in a briefing on Tuesday’s forecast.

Where is Hurricane Francine now?

Where dangerous storms may occur

The National Hurricane Center says if storm surge hits during high tide, peak flooding in some areas of south Louisiana, including Vermilion Bay, could reach 5 to 10 feet. Along the beaches of Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, where the tide may reach 6 feet, flooding is also forecast.

“The worst storm surge will be east of the center of circulation where Francine makes landfall. A 3- to 15-foot surge can cause serious damage,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

Hurricane Francine risk of flash flooding

Francine is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to eastern Louisiana and parts of Mississippi after making landfall and will continue into tonight. Later this week, rain from Francine and its aftereffects will affect additional areas of the Southeast, extending as far north as the Tennessee and lower Ohio valleys, according to Weather.com

How should coastal residents prepare for Hurricane Francine?

The Hurricane Center advises:

◾ Protect your home – cover windows, secure doors and loose items outdoors.

◾ Determine shelter options and consider pets.

◾ Prepare your luggage, medicine and supplies.

◾ Have several days worth of non-perishable food, water and medicine.

◾ Charge your phone and fill up or charge your vehicles.

◾ Help your neighbors, especially older and vulnerable adults.

◾ Follow any evacuation orders.

CONTRIBUTION: John Bacon, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Thao Nguyen

SOURCE NOAA, GOES, Weather.com and USA TODAY research

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