HOUSTON — Francine weakened into a tropical storm on Wednesday night.
Hours earlier, it made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane near Morgan City, Louisiana. The storm continues moving further inland over southeastern Louisiana and is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
4 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center
With the 4 a.m. update, Francine was downgraded to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph.
It was moving to the northeast at 12 mph but was expected to slow down over the next few days.
The metro New Orleans area was seeing heavy rains and strong wind gusts into Wednesday night.
Hurricane Francine forecast cone
What is a Coastal Flooding Warning
A Coastal Flood Warning means that seawater spillage over dune lines and sea walls is occurring, is imminent, or is expected within the next 12 hours. People in the warned area should take immediate action to protect lives and property.
What is a Storm Surge Warning
A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours in the indicated locations.
What is a Storm Surge Watch
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours.
What is a Hurricane Warning
A Hurricane Warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
What is a Hurricane Watch
A Hurricane Watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area. A watch is typically issued 48 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous.
What is a Tropical Storm Warning
A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
What is a Tropical Storm Watch
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
It is also an important reminder that we are in the peak of hurricane season and that things could churn up quickly.
Tracking the storm
