The path of tropical storm Francine shows Louisiana's landfall

WDSU is tracking the current path of Tropical Storm Francine as it heads toward Louisiana. Hurricane warnings have already been issued for parts of the state. Bookmark this page and check back later for the latest information. TROPICAL OUTLOOK: Tropical Storm Francine continues to rage in the Gulf. Wind speeds remain steady at 65 mph and minimum central pressure has dropped to 988 mb. The storm is moving north-northwest at 8 mph. The system is located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and will move north along the coast of Mexico and Texas. According to the 10 a.m. warning, the storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday as a Category 1 hurricane. It will bring very heavy rains and other significant impacts to southeast Louisiana for several days later this week. CURRENT ALERT: Hurricane warnings are in effect for Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. A tropical storm warning is in effect for New Orleans Metro, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa parishes. MOST LIKELY PATH: Forecast data for the storm's direction is fairly consistent with the forecast of its likely path. Most data focuses on a path that will take the system just off the coasts of northern Mexico and Texas, then turn northeast and make landfall near southeast Louisiana. TIMING: Tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive by Wednesday. LOCAL IMPACTS: Regardless of where exactly the storm makes landfall, southeast Louisiana will be hit with a range of impacts. WIND: Current forecast data shows possible wind gusts of up to 50-60 mph across the region. STORM SURGE: The highest storm surge will be highest west of Port Fourchon, where a possible 5'-10' is expected. A maximum storm surge of 4'-7' is forecast for Grand Isle. A storm surge of 2 to 4 feet is expected for the rest of the coast further east, including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas. STORM TIMING: Forecast data agrees that Wednesday is the most likely day for the most impact, but some of the data shows the storm continuing well into Thursday as well. The forecast calls for the most storms on Wednesday and a tornado threat as well. The same forecast calls for strong gales and winds through Wednesday night, but dissipating by Thursday. RAINFALL: After some heavy rain over the past two weeks, flooding may be our biggest concern. Meteorologists are predicting widespread rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches, with locally higher amounts. At this time, we are confident this storm will develop into a tropical storm and at least a Category 1 hurricane. Since intensity forecasts are known to be conservative, it's possible the hurricane could become even stronger before it makes landfall. Take time now to make sure you have what you need to survive several days of possible power outages. Most importantly, follow every update here so you can head out as early as possible in the event of an evacuation. The entire WDSU First Warning Weather Team will continue to provide you with all the latest information on this storm.

WDSU is tracking the current path of Tropical Storm Francine as it approaches Louisiana. Hurricane warnings have already been issued for parts of the state.

Bookmark this page and check back later for the latest information.

TROPICAL OUTLOOK:

Tropical Storm Francine continues to rage in the Gulf. Winds remain steady at 65 mph and the minimum central pressure has dropped to 988 mb. The storm is moving north-northwest at 8 mph.

The system is located in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico and will move north along the coast of Mexico and Texas.

According to the 10:00 a.m. warning, the storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday.

Later this week, southeast Louisiana will experience very heavy rains and other significant impacts for several days.

CURRENT WARNINGS:

Hurricane warnings are in effect for Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for New Orleans Metro, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa counties.

MOST LIKELY PATH:

Forecast data for the storm's direction agrees fairly well with the forecast for its likely path. Most data focuses on a track that will take the system just off the coast of northern Mexico and Texas, then turn northeast and make landfall near southeast Louisiana.

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TIMING:

Tropical storm force winds are expected to arrive by Wednesday.

LOCAL IMPACTS:

Regardless of where exactly the storm makes landfall, southeastern Louisiana will be hit by a series of impacts.

WIND:

Current forecast data shows wind gusts of up to 50-60 miles per hour are possible throughout the region.

STORM SURGE:

The highest storm surge is expected west of Port Fourchon, where a height of 5 to 10 feet is expected. A maximum storm surge of 4 to 7 feet is expected for Grand Isle. A storm surge of 2 to 4 feet is expected for the rest of the coast further east, including Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas.

STORM TIME:

Forecast data agrees that Wednesday will be the day with the most impact, but some data shows the storm will continue well into Thursday.

Most of the storms are expected on Wednesday, and there is also a risk of tornadoes.

The same forecast calls for strong storms and winds through Wednesday evening, but they will dissipate by Thursday.

PRECIPITATION AMOUNT:

After some heavy rains over the last two weeks, flooding could be our biggest concern.

Meteorologists generally predict rainfall amounts of 7.5 to 12.5 centimetres, with higher rainfall expected locally.

Currently, we expect this storm to develop into a tropical storm and at least a Category 1 hurricane. Since intensity forecasts are known to be very conservative, it is possible that it could develop into an even stronger hurricane before making landfall.

Take time now to make sure you have everything you need to survive several days of possible power outages. Most importantly, follow all updates here so you can leave as early as possible in the event of an evacuation.

The entire WDSU First Warning Weather Team will continue to provide you with all the latest information on this storm.