Officials in Mississippi are warning of the impact Hurricane Francine could have on the state after the Category 2 hurricane made landfall in southern Louisiana on Wednesday evening.
Forecasters expected the tempest to hold at Category 1 status before it hit land in Terrebonne Parish at 5 p.m. CT, but the storm strengthened to sustained winds over 96 miles per hour to increase its designation. Though it didn’t directly hit Mississippi, the effects along the Mississippi Gulf Coast could still be significant.
“It’s the outer bands that are going to be ripping into Mississippi into the next several hours and into the overnight. We’ve already seen a couple steady bands of rain that’s brought easily an inch or two of rain,” Jane Minar of Fox Weather reported from Gulfport. “We’re expecting five to six inches of rain possible before all is said and done.”
Heavy rain could create freshwater flooding across roadways, resulting in road closures. Weather officials are also warning of a possible significant storm surge.
“We’re expecting to see up to six feet of storm surge. The question is whether or not we’ll get there,” Minar said. “With how quickly the storm is pulling on shore, that might end up in our favor.”
Several state safety agencies are reminding citizens of how to prepare for and respond to the severe weather from Francine’s impact:
🚨 As #Francine moves ashore tonight (9/11), please stay weather-aware.
Strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, & tornadoes can not be ruled out. If you are in a storm-affected area, please avoid travel unless necessary. If you are driving during severe weather, use caution! #mswx pic.twitter.com/15GL8yFnCl
— MDOT (@MississippiDOT) September 11, 2024
As Hurricane Francine makes landfall this afternoon into the evening and overnight hours, it is important that you have multiple ways to receive alerts.
📲You need to have your phones charged and on loud in case of a tornado warning.
❗DO NOT RELY ON OUTDOOR SIRENS TO WAKE YOU UP pic.twitter.com/fSq8sX8FlB— msema (@MSEMA) September 11, 2024
While the most significant effects will be felt along the Gulf Coast and into southern Mississippi, heavy rainfall and potential tornado activity could occur into the central and northern regions of the state through Thursday.
Ahead of Hurricane Francine’s landfall, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency for the state government to deploy resources more efficiently to impacted areas. Track the radar here.
