Hurricane Francine was expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon or evening on the Louisiana coast.
Francine was a higher-end Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday morning with 90 mph winds.
The National Hurricane Center thinks Francine, the fourth hurricane of 2024 in the Atlantic, could strengthen a little more before landfall and become a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds.
However, wind shear could weaken the storm some before its center moves onshore.
Hurricane Francine got stronger overnight and was expected to strengthen some more before making landfall this afternoon or this evening in Louisiana.National Hurricane Center
Alabama is on the eastern side of Francine’s core, which means the state could be in for some of the storm’s worst weather, including tornadoes.
There will be a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather for southwest Alabama today, and isolated tornadoes will be possible in that area (see the risk area at the top of this post) as Francine’s rain bands move onshore.
On Thursday more of Alabama will have another Level 2 risk for severe weather. Here is the outlook for Thursday:
Nearly all of Alabama will have a risk for severe weather on Thursday.SPC
A tropical storm warning was in effect for Alabama’s coast, as well as a storm surge watch. Two to four feet of surge will be possible in coastal Mobile and Baldwin counties as well as Mobile Bay.
South Alabama will get the worst weather today, with rain and storms spreading northward over more of the state later today.
As of 7 a.m. CDT Wednesday, the center of Hurricane Francine was located about 195 miles southwest of Morgan City, La., and was tracking to the northeast at 12 mph.
The National Weather Service offices across Alabama urged residents to keep a close eye on the weather today through Friday.
Here’s a look at what forecasters are expecting:
SOUTH ALABAMA
Here is the outlook for winds for southwest Alabama.NWS
* A tropical storm warning is in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties.
* A storm surge watch in effect for Mobile and Baldwin counties, including Mobile Bay. Storm surge of 2 to 4 feet possible.
* High risk of rip currents through Friday night.
* Surf of 8 to 11 feet possible.
* Tornadoes possible, especially near the coast Wednesday night through Thursday.
* Flood watch for Washington, Mobile and Baldwin counties.
The National Weather Service in Mobile said Francine’s outer bands will approach south Alabama by midday today, and heavy rain will be possible at time through the night and into Thursday.
Prepare for possible power outages and be on guard for the threat of tornadoes starting this afternoon.
The weather service was particularly concerned about the potential for tornadoes — with the threat ramping up later tonight and lasting into Thursday morning.
Four to 6 inches of rain will be possible, especially closer to the coast, which could cause localized flooding.
Gusty winds will also be possible today through Thursday, with higher winds beginning tonight. Gusts could be in the 30-40 mph range and could take down trees and power lines well inland.
Minor to moderate coastal flooding will be possible along Alabama’s coast today through Thursday.
CENTRAL ALABAMA
Central Alabama could be facing the threat for tornadoes, tropical downpours, and gusty winds as Francine moves inland and tracks northward later tonight.
The National Weather Service expects rain chances to increase from south to north starting later today, with widespread rain expected on Thursday.
There will be a threat for isolated tornadoes across all of central Alabama, especially Thursday morning through Thursday night.
Wind gusts could be as high as 40 mph on Thursday, with west Alabama having the best chances of seeing any higher winds. Winds will be capable of taking down trees and power lines.
NORTH ALABAMA
North Alabama is expected to feel the effects of Francine Thursday and Friday, which could include gusty winds, tornadoes and heavy rain.
Winds could be sustained around 20-25 mph with gusts from 30-40 mph, which could cause downed trees and power lines.
The remnants of Francine could cause tornadoes in north Alabama from Thursday afternoon through early Friday afternoon.
One to 3 inches of rain will be possible, with localized areas possibly getting 3 to 4 inches. Areas west of Interstate 65 are more likely to see the most rain.
The threat for flooding is not extreme because all of the region is in drought conditions.
