Tropical Storm Francine Expected to Intensify into Hurricane, Targeting U.S. Gulf Coast

Tropical Storm Francine is strengthening and is expected to become a hurricane before reaching the U.S. Gulf Coast by midweek. Currently in the Gulf of Mexico, the storm is moving north-northwest with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. A hurricane watch is in effect for much of the Louisiana coast. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and trigger flash flooding in parts of Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Storm surge warnings are also in place for various coastal areas. So far this Atlantic storm season, there have been five named storms and three hurricanes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted above-normal hurricane activity due to warm ocean temperatures, La Niña conditions, and reduced wind shear. This storm season has seen below-normal activity in terms of named storms. Previous storms, Debby and Ernesto, both made landfall as hurricanes in various parts of the United States and Bermuda. The forecast for the rest of the season predicts a total of 17 to 25 named storms and eight to 13 hurricanes. The combination of various atmospheric conditions is contributing to the increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.

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