This product covers Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi

**FRANCINE STILL A TROPICAL STORM BUT EXPECTED TO STRENGTHEN
FURTHER**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- The Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch have been
upgraded to a Hurricane Warning for Assumption, Coastal
Jefferson Parish, Iberville, Lower Lafourche, Lower Terrebonne,
Upper Lafourche, and Upper Terrebonne
- The Tropical Storm Watch has been upgraded to a Tropical Storm
Warning for Amite, Central Plaquemines, Central Tangipahoa,
East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Eastern Ascension, Eastern
Orleans, Lower Jefferson, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard,
Lower Tangipahoa, Northern Livingston, Northern St. Tammany,
Northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, Southeast St. Tammany,
Southern Livingston, Southwestern St. Tammany, St. Charles, St.
Helena, St. James, St. John The Baptist, Upper Jefferson, Upper
Plaquemines, Upper St. Bernard, West Baton Rouge, West
Feliciana, Western Ascension, Western Orleans, and Wilkinson

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
Coastal Jefferson Parish, Lower Lafourche, and Lower Terrebonne
- A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Assumption, Iberville,
Upper Lafourche, and Upper Terrebonne
- A Storm Surge Warning and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect
for Lower Plaquemines
- A Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Watch are in effect
for Eastern Orleans, Lower St. Bernard, Lower Tangipahoa,
Southeast St. Tammany, Southern Livingston, Southwestern St.
Tammany, St. Charles, and St. John The Baptist
- A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Amite, Central
Plaquemines, Central Tangipahoa, East Baton Rouge, East
Feliciana, Eastern Ascension, Lower Jefferson, Northern
Livingston, Northern St. Tammany, Northern Tangipahoa, Pointe
Coupee, St. Helena, St. James, Upper Jefferson, Upper
Plaquemines, Upper St. Bernard, West Baton Rouge, West
Feliciana, Western Ascension, Western Orleans, and Wilkinson
- A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for Southern Hancock, Southern
Harrison, and Southern Jackson

* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 510 miles southwest of New Orleans LA or about 580 miles
southwest of Gulfport MS
- 24.5N 95.9W
- Storm Intensity 65 mph
- Movement North or 360 degrees at 5 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to move generally northward then
northeast, paralleling the Texas Gulf Coast and eventually making
landfall along the Louisiana coast late Wednesday as a hurricane.
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Watches and Warnings remain active
across Southeast Louisiana. In addition to the potential for damaging
winds, Francine will also bring the threat of life-threatening storm
surge along the coastline and lakeshores of Southeast Lousiana and
Southern Missisissippi where Storm Surge Watches and Warnings are
currently in place. Heavy rainfall along and to the east of the track
will have the potential to cause flooding and flash flooding even in
areas that don't normally flood. Rainfall flooding could be worsened
due to the heavy rainfall that saturated grounds just last week.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Prepare for life-threatening wind having possible extensive impacts
across southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi west of the I-55
corridor. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Considerable roof damage to sturdy buildings, with some having
window, door, and garage door failures leading to structural
damage. Mobile homes severely damaged, with some destroyed.
Damage accentuated by airborne projectiles. Locations may be
uninhabitable for weeks.
- Many large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
or heavily wooded places. Several bridges, causeways, and
access routes impassable.
- Large areas with power and communications outages.

Also, prepare for dangerous wind having possible limited to
significant impacts across areas along and east of the I-55 corridor
in southeast Louisiana.

* SURGE:
Prepare for life-threatening surge having possible devastating
impacts across coastal areas of southeast Louisiana, and Mississippi
including the tidal lakes and sounds. Potential impacts in
this area include:
- Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
uninhabitable for an extended period.
- Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or
severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become
stressed.
- Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
- Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted
onshore and stranded.

Elsewhere across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi, little to
no impact is anticipated.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Prepare for life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible
extensive impacts across Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi.
Potential impacts include:
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches may
become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and barriers may
become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes.
Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with
underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous.
Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADOES:
Prepare for a dangerous tornado event having possible significant
impacts across all of southeast Louisiana. Potential impacts
include:
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

Prepare for a tornado event having possible limited impacts across
southern Mississippi.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.


* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies
kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your
home or business.

When making safety and preparedness decisions, do not focus on the
exact forecast track since hazards such as flooding rain, damaging
wind gusts, storm surge, and tornadoes extend well away from the
center of the storm.

If in a place that is vulnerable to high wind, such as near large
trees, a manufactured home, upper floors of a high-rise building, or
on a boat, plan to move to safe shelter.

If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, such as
near the ocean or a large inland lake, in a low-lying or poor
drainage area, in a valley, or near an already swollen river, plan to
move to safe shelter on higher ground.

Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with orders that
are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of
others.

When securing your property, outside preparations should be concluded
as soon as possible before conditions deteriorate. The onset of
strong gusty winds or flooding can cause certain preparedness
activities to become unsafe.

Be sure to let friends and family members know of your intentions for
weathering the storm and your whereabouts. Have someone located away
from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital
contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and charged.

Check on those who may not be fully aware of the situation or who are
unable to make personal preparations.

If you are a visitor, know the name of the county or parish in which
you are located and where it is relative to current watches and
warnings. If staying at a hotel, ask the management staff about their
onsite disaster plan. Listen for evacuation orders, especially
pertaining to area visitors.

Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radio and local news
outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes
to the forecast.

There is a threat from tornadoes with this storm. Have multiple ways
to receive Tornado Warnings. Be ready to shelter quickly.

* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in New Orleans LA around 11 AM CDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING IN EFFECT...

A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are
expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours

* LOCATIONS AFFECTED
- Baton Rouge

* WIND
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Equivalent Cat 1 Hurricane force wind
- Peak Wind Forecast: 60-80 mph with gusts to 95 mph
- Window for Tropical Storm force winds: Wednesday afternoon
until early Thursday morning
- Window for Hurricane force winds: Wednesday afternoon until
Wednesday evening

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 58
to 73 mph
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical
storm force.
- PREPARE: Remaining efforts to protect life and property
should be completed as soon as possible. Prepare for
significant wind damage.
- ACT: Move to safe shelter before the wind becomes hazardous.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with
damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few
buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door
failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored.
Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
- Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater
numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several
fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within
urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways,
and access routes impassable.
- Scattered power and communications outages, but more
prevalent in areas with above ground lines.

* STORM SURGE
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Localized storm surge possible
- Peak Storm Surge Inundation: The potential for up to 2 feet
above ground somewhere within surge prone areas
- Window of concern: through Friday morning

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for storm
surge flooding greater than 1 foot above ground
- The storm surge threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Shelter against storm surge flooding greater than 1
foot above ground.
- PREPARE: All flood preparations should be complete. Expect
flooding of low-lying roads and property.
- ACT: Stay away from storm surge prone areas. Continue to
follow the instructions of local officials.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Unfolding
- Potential impacts from the main surge event are unfolding.

* FLOODING RAIN
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 4-8 inches, with locally
higher amounts

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for major
flooding rain
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are
likely.
- PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially
if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Extensive
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and
rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in
multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, and ditches
may become dangerous rivers. Flood control systems and
barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple
communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover
escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some
weakened or washed out.

* TORNADO
- LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
- Situation is favorable for tornadoes

- THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for several
tornadoes
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
several tornadoes with a few possibly intense having larger
damage paths.
- PREPARE: Those living in manufactured homes or on boats are
urged to relocate to safe shelter before hazardous weather
arrives.
- ACT: Listen for tornado watches and warnings. If a tornado
warning is issued, be ready to shelter quickly.

- POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Significant
- The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the
execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- Several places may experience tornado damage with a few
spots of considerable damage, power loss, and
communications failures.
- Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped
or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed
about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
- https://gohsep.la.gov/emergency

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be
possible.

* WHERE...Portions of southeast Louisiana, including the following
parishes, Assumption, Central Plaquemines, Central Tangipahoa,
Coastal Jefferson Parish, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana,
Eastern Ascension, Eastern Orleans, Iberville, Lower Jefferson,
Lower Lafourche, Lower Plaquemines, Lower St. Bernard, Lower
Tangipahoa, Lower Terrebonne, Northern Livingston, Northern St.
Tammany, Northern Tangipahoa, Pointe Coupee, Southeast St.
Tammany, Southern Livingston, Southwestern St. Tammany, St.
Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John The Baptist, Upper
Jefferson, Upper Lafourche, Upper Plaquemines, Upper St. Bernard,
Upper Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana,
Western Ascension and Western Orleans and southern Mississippi,
including the following areas, Amite, Northern Hancock, Northern
Harrison, Northern Jackson, Pearl River, Pike, Southern Hancock,
Southern Harrison, Southern Jackson, Walthall and Wilkinson.

* WHEN...Through Thursday morning.

* IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers,
creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...
- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood
Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared
to take action should flooding develop.

&&