According to the National Weather Service, tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen into a hurricane as it moves northward and then northeast, paralleling the Texas Gulf Coast before making landfall along the Louisiana coast late Wednesday.

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings remain in effect across Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. The storm threatens to bring damaging winds and life-threatening storm surges to the region. Storm Surge Watches and Warnings have also been issued for Southeast Louisiana and Southern Mississippi coastal areas.

In addition to the storm surge, Francine is forecast to deliver heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flooding and flash flooding. Areas to the east of the storm’s track are particularly vulnerable, especially with the saturated grounds from last week’s rainfall, which could worsen flooding conditions in areas not typically prone to flooding.