Tuesday 10 PM Tropical Update: Minor changes to Hurricane Francine's forecast

Francine becomes a Hurricane. The storm is forecast to make landfall in Southeast Louisiana Wednesday.

The forecast track has not changed, with landfall likely within 24 hours as a category 1. Dry air continues to hinder the storm, but that may change tonight.

Overnight, Francine did not strengthen, thanks to dry air. The storm is forecast to restart intensifying Tuesday and the official forecast has the storm as a hurricane today and Wednesday. Landfall is still expected in South Louisiana Wednesday afternoon as a hurricane with winds as high as 100 mph.

Hurricane Warnings are now flying across Terrebonne, Lafourche, and parts of Lower Jefferson. Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued across St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, Orleans, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. James, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany Parishes.

Luckily wind shear will increase on Wednesday, so hopefully we see the storms weakening upon approach to land, but you should prepare for a Cat 1 hurricane in coastal areas.

As far as impacts to SE LA go, there are not major chances. Rainfall accumulations are anywhere from 4-6" with strong, gusty winds of 60-70+ mph on Wednesday and coastal flooding, including in the Lakes.

It will be moving rather quickly with the center well north and likely improving conditions by late Wednesday into Thursday.

Read more about potential impacts here: https://www.wwltv.com/article/weather...