09/09 Ryan’s “Tropical Update” Noon Forecast

Tropical Storm Francine has formed to the west of us, and will come too close for comfort.

Here’s the latest on Tropical Storm Francine, which formed late this morning out of Potential Tropical Cyclone Six:

The last few updates have seen little change to the central track. Landfall is expected late Wednesday night/Thursday morning between Lake Charles and Lafayette, Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane. Max winds earlier were only at 80 mph, but have been increased to 85. The entire forecast “cone” remains out of South MS, but any eastward shift in the days ahead will increase our exposure. Based on this forecast, our biggest impacts will be heavy rain as the storms pushes inland, gusting winds expected to stay below damaging criteria, and 2-4 feet of storm surge, triggering a Surge Watch.

Things would have to change significantly to put is in line for a direct impact, but we can still see problematic flooding as the rain piles up ahead of, and during the storm. Watch for this particularly around coastal areas if the forecast surge verifies or over-performs. Continue to monitor WXXV News 25 for the latest as updates will continue to be issued ahead of landfall.