After weeks of calm, a new tropical storm has formed in the Atlantic. Francine, which is tracking toward Louisiana, could strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday. Forecasters are warning of life-threatening storm surges and flash flooding.
Tropical Storm Francine formed over the Gulf of Mexico on Monday, interrupting a rare period of calm in the Atlantic Ocean, CNN notes. The last named storm the tropical one was Ernesto, who hit Puerto Rico in mid-August.
The element is heading towards Louisiana, but meteorologists say it is too early to say exactly which regions it will hit and with what force. It is moving over the warm waters of the gulf, which could cause it to strengthen rapidly.
On Monday, in the space of an hour, wind speeds generated by Francine increased from 80 kilometers per hour to nearly 100 km/h, and by the turn of Tuesday and Wednesday, the tropical storm may turn into a hurricane, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported.
Francine in a satellite image on MondayNOAA
Heavy rainfall and flooding possible
Meteorologists are predicting strong winds to reach parts of far northeastern Mexico and southern Texas early this week. Before that, areas along the Mexican coast could experience flooding from storm surges.
The NHC said the rainfall could be accompanied by a significant risk of flash flooding, with local amounts of up to 100 to 200 gallons of water per square meter expected. Sandbags and other supplies were delivered to residents of Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana on Monday to help weather the expected storm surge.
Tropical Storm Francine's Forecast TrackNHC
Main image source: NOAA