A powerful storm, formerly Hurricane Francine, has unleashed havoc across the Southeastern United States, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. After making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane, Francine has now weakened to a tropical storm but continues to pose significant threats with heavy rain and strong winds.
The impact of the storm has extended to Mississippi, parts of Florida, the Florida panhandle, and Alabama, where residents are grappling with flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages. Currently, more than 420,000 homes and businesses are without power, with Louisiana bearing the brunt of the outages.
Meteorologists on the ground have witnessed the ferocity of Francine firsthand, with reports of hurricane-force gusts and turbulent waves battering the region. The storm surge, coupled with relentless rainfall, has inundated roads and parking lots, causing chaos and posing risks to residents.
As Francine continues its path inland, it is maintaining sustained winds of 50 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 85 miles per hour. The storm is moving northeast at a speed of 14 MPH, spreading its impact to areas as far as Atlanta and Birmingham.
Authorities have issued flood watches and high wind alerts across several states, including Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. A tornado watch is also in effect for coastal regions of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, heightening concerns of severe weather conditions.
The relentless rainfall accompanying Francine has already resulted in significant accumulations, with some areas receiving over eight inches of rain in less than 48 hours. Wind gusts have been recorded at alarming speeds, with reports of up to 105 miles per hour in certain locations.
As the storm progresses, the threat of tornadoes and damaging winds remains a primary concern, prompting residents in various cities to brace for potential severe weather events. The impact of Francine is expected to persist as it moves further inland, with areas like Memphis likely to experience adverse weather conditions before the storm eventually dissipates.
Residents are urged to exercise caution, stay informed about weather updates, and follow safety guidelines to mitigate risks posed by Tropical Storm Francine.
