Tropical Storm Francine Intensifies, Threatens Louisiana

Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen into a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph winds before making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, prompting hurricane warnings across the Louisiana coast and tropical storm watches in Texas. The storm may bring storm surges of up to 10 feet, leading to mandatory evacuations in vulnerable areas. Francine's trajectory suggests it will impact Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky by Thursday, with potential for heavy rainfall and isolated tornadoes. Meanwhile, two other disturbances in the Atlantic are being monitored, with one showing a 70% chance of development into a tropical depression. The National Hurricane Center is actively tracking Francine, which has intensified over the warm Gulf waters and may help clarify predictions for the storm's impact. The region remains on alert as Francine approaches, with forecasts indicating significant rainfall and wind damage potential.