"HOUSTON - Tropical Storm Francine was on track on Tuesday to become a hurricane overnight, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said, prompting Louisiana residents to flee inland and oil and gas companies to shut in Gulf of Mexico production.

Francine was developing more slowly than earlier forecast but could still wallop the Louisiana coast on Wednesday with life-threatening winds, drenching rains and an up to 10-foot (3-meter) storm surge.

Peak wind intensity was lowered to 90 miles per hour (145 kph), making it a Category 1 hurricane, in the latest National Hurricane Center outlook.

The storm was moving off the southern Texas coast and expected to make landfall on Wednesday near Thibodaux in Louisiana. Its path promises a major test for liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plants recently built in the region."

Gary Mcwilliams and Marianna Parraga report for Reuters September 10, 2024. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Tropical Storm Francine Heads For Louisiana Landfall Wednesday; Hurricane Watch Issued For New Orleans" (Weather Channel) [3]

"New Orleans Area Braces To Ride Out Francine. 'Put It In Lord's Hands.'" (Nola.com) [4]

"See The Louisiana Parish-By-Parish Storm Surge Predictions From Francine" (Nola.com) [5]