Reviewed by: Liv George
How Tropical Storm Francine could have statewide impacts in Alabama
Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen to a hurricane in the Gulf sometime Tuesday and could eventually have an impact on Alabama, from the coast all the way up to Huntsville.
While our coastline will likely not be getting a direct hit from a hurricane, there is plenty of rain from the storm in the forecast with a possibility of some severe weather in the mix.
Keep reading to see the forecast for Francine + how it could impact the weather where you live.
Francine’s forecasted path
There’s a chance the storm will make landfall as a category 1 hurricane with many forecasts showing Francine hitting Louisiana by Wednesday afternoon. A tropical storm warning is already in effect for the New Orleans metro.
Francine will likely weaken back into a tropical storm or even a depression by the time it reaches Mississippi or Alabama.
The most recent forecast has shifted the storm’s path slightly west of Alabama but there will still likely be rain and strong winds from the storm impacting the state.
What to expect in Alabama
Mobile County is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch with a small possibility of the storm turning more east over the next 24 hours. The storm surge in Mobile Bay is also projected to reach up to three feet.
Meanwhile, the rest of the state will likely experience an increase of rain Thursday and Friday. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center shows a marginal risk of severe weather across the entire state beginning Thursday afternoon.
A forecast from Monday suggested a slight risk (15-40%) of excessive rainfall across west Alabama from the bay all the way up to Florence. Parts of the state could receive up to six inches of rain.
The entire state is likely to see at least some rain by the end of the week, with most spots getting 1-2 inches.
Stay Weather Aware
These updates are as of Tuesday, September 10 around 11AM. Things could change as Francine strengthens into a hurricane or once it makes landfall.
Some school systems in South Alabama have already adjusted their schedules for Wednesday. Make sure to watch your school system’s social media pages to stay up to take on any last-minute changes.
Keep an eye on your local weather announcements and have a plan when you need to!
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