Tropical Storm Francine strengthens, expected to hit Mid-South

Four to six inches of rain expected, flash flooding, tornados possible

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

As Tropical Storm Francine intensi_es into a category 2 hurricane, forecasters predict it will make landfall in Louisiana late Wednesday before impacting the Mid-South with heavy rain and gusty wind by Thursday and Friday.

Francine is expected to bring heavy rain, high wind, and storm surge to the Louisiana coast before moving northwards towards Memphis and the surrounding areas. Preparations are already underway in West Memphis, with Emergency Management Director DeWayne Rose urging residents to start making preparations for the anticipated severe weather. He emphasized the potential for ooding and dangerous road conditions as a result of the heavy rainfall.

“Con_dence continues to increase for heavy rainfall and high winds.” said Dewayne Rose, Director of Emergency Management, “The West Memphis area is predicted to get approximately three to four inches of rain. We have been dry for a long period of time, but heavy rainfall in a short amount of time can still lead to ash ooding.”

The biggest threat from the storm in the area is expected to be the heavy rain, with up to six inches possible in some areas. The combination of heavy rain and dry ground conditions could lead to ash ooding concerns across the region.

In addition to the heavy rain, high wind gusts are also possible in the area,

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with gusts of up to 55 mph predicted. This could cause branches to fall and potentially lead to power outages.

The storm also brings the risk of tornadoes, with quick spin-up tornadoes possible on the right side of the storm track as it moves inland. Residents are advised to stay alert and monitor updates closely as the storm approaches.

Graphic courtesy NWS / WMOEM