News Summary
New Orleans is on high alert as Tropical Storm Francine approaches, with the National Hurricane Center issuing a hurricane watch for the area. Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to complete their storm preparations. The storm is projected to intensify into a hurricane, bringing significant rainfall, strong winds, and a risk of tornadoes. Local gas stations are busy as residents stock up on supplies, and schools will be closed for safety. The community is mobilizing to prepare for possible flooding and storm surges.
New Orleans Under Hurricane Watch as Tropical Storm Francine Approaches
New Orleans is preparing for potential severe weather as the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has placed the city under a hurricane watch ahead of the anticipated landfall of Tropical Storm Francine. The storm is forecasted to escalate into a hurricane by Tuesday night, with landfall expected on Wednesday afternoon or evening.
Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to finalize their storm preparations by Tuesday. The NHC advises that severe weather, including strong winds, flash flooding, and storm surge, poses an imminent threat to the area due to changing track forecasts.
Current predictions indicate that Tropical Storm Francine could bring rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches, with localized areas potentially receiving more. Winds are anticipated to be between 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. The earliest winds may arrive overnight, with the most likely onset being Wednesday morning. In addition, the NHC has cautioned that a storm surge of up to 5 feet could occur on Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas, along with a possibility of tornadoes.
As residents prepare for the storm, gas stations in New Orleans are experiencing long lines as locals rush to fill their tanks and stock up on necessary supplies. Schools in metro New Orleans will be closed on Wednesday to ensure the safety of students and staff. In an effort to stay safe, Tulane University’s sailing team is relocating over 40 boats beyond the levee. Local volunteers and city council members are actively engaged in filling and distributing sandbags to help mitigate flood risks.
This storm comes as the NHC has noted a low-pressure system off the southeastern coast of the U.S., with a 10% chance of it developing into a tropical system over the next week. Formation chances are near 0% in the next 48 hours. As the system moves northeastward at 10 to 15 mph later in the week, the likelihood of it gaining subtropical or tropical characteristics remains a possibility.
According to NHC forecasts announced at the start of the hurricane season, there is a 60% chance of above-normal activity during the 2025 hurricane season. The chances for a near-normal season are projected at 30%, while below-normal activity has a 10% chance, possessing a 70% confidence level in these projections. This year, the first name on the Atlantic hurricane list is Andrea.
The next update from the National Hurricane Center regarding Tropical Storm Francine is scheduled for 7 PM, with further assessments to follow as the storm develops.
Residents are advised to stay informed and heed official advisories as the storm approaches. It is critical for everyone in the region to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and preparedness in the face of potential hurricane conditions.
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Additional Resources
- FOX 8 Live: First Tropical Disturbance of 2025 Season
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm
- WGNO: Tropical Storm Chantal Forms
- Google Search: 2025 Hurricane Season
- WWL TV: Tropical Update on Louisiana Weather
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Forecasts
- Axios: Tropical Storm Francine Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- New York Times: Hurricane Francine
- Google News: Hurricane Francine
- WDSU: New Orleans Weather Forecast
- Google Search: New Orleans Hurricane Preparations
