Latest on Francine: La. coastal conditions deteriorating

Hurricane Francine is approaching the southwestern Louisiana coastline and will make landfall this evening. Conditions are rapidly deteriorating as the hurricane edges closer .

The biggest point to make through tonight for anyone living in Francine’s path, hunker down and be prepared for heavy rain, high winds and possible flooding.

Although Francine will be a strong Category 1 or low-end Category 2 hurricane at landfall this evening, it is already bringing outsized trouble to the Louisiana coastline. Here is a list of Francine’s major impacts.

Storm Surge & coastal flooding

A destructive storm surge up to 10 feet along the southwestern Louisiana coastline is likely near and just to the east of hurricane’s this evening’s landfall. Battering waves will accompany the rising water. This surge could be higher than seen during Hurricane Rita when it hit the same area in 2005. Homes and businesses along the coast will be inundated with water.

A lower but still dangerous surge in the 4 to 7 feet range will be possible along the rest of the Louisiana coast, including the mouth of the Mississippi River, Lake Pontchartrain and even eastward into Mobile Bay.

High Winds

The WindRadar shows the highest winds will spread across southwestern Louisiana today and tonight as Francine approaches and moves ashore. Wind gusts approaching 100 mph will produce widespread power outages, topple trees and damage roofs and awnings.

Flooding

The WeatherRadar shows heavy rain will accompany Francine as it moves inland tonight and Thursday. Five to 10 inches of rain will cause flash flooding throughout southern Louisiana, including New Orleans. The tropical deluge will move inland into Mississippi and Alabama Thursday, producing inland flood too.  

The rain squalls will be accompanied by a tornado risk, especially in the northeastern quadrant as Francine comes ashore.

Weather & Radar meteorologists are tracking Francine and our weather reporter Jonathan Petramala is on the scene in southwestern Louisiana to show the latest conditions there.