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Hurricane Francine

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For other similarly named storms, see List of storms named Francene.
Hurricane Francine
Francine near peak intensity while approaching Louisiana on September 11
Meteorological history
FormedSeptember 9, 2024
Remnant lowSeptember 12, 2024
DissipatedSeptember 14, 2024
Category 2 hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds100 mph (155 km/h)
Lowest pressure972 mbar (hPa); 28.70 inHg
Overall effects
FatalitiesNone
Damage$1.5 billion (2024 USD)
Areas affectedEastern Mexico, Gulf Coast of the United States (particularly Mississippi and Louisiana)
IBTrACSEdit this at Wikidata
Part of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season

Hurricane Francine was a moderately strong tropical cyclone that brought extensive flooding to parts of the Gulf Coast of the United States, especially Louisiana in September 2024. The sixth named storm and fourth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, its formation brought the end to a significant quiet period in tropical cyclone formation in the Atlantic.[1] Originating from a tropical wave that was initially spotted in the central Atlantic by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in late August, the disturbance that eventually became Francine began gradually organizing on September 7 as it exited the Yucatán Peninsula into the Bay of Campeche. The disturbance consolidated further and was designated by the NHC as Potential Tropical Cyclone Six on September 8. The next day, it was upgraded to tropical storm status and was named Francine by the NHC. It made landfall in Louisiana on September 11, 2024 as a Category 2 hurricane with wind speeds of 100 mph (161 km/h), which left moderate damage in Louisiana and Mississippi. Afterward, it quickly weakened into a tropical storm on September 12, then a tropical depression the following day. Francine dissipated on September 14.

Meteorological history

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Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On August 26, the NHC noted that a low-pressure area could form in the Central Tropical Atlantic.[2] Two days later, they began tracking a tropical wave producing disorganized showers.[3] Initially, showers from the wave were a bit more concentrated along its axis,[4] becoming more organized by August 31.[5] However, an unfavorable environment for development caused the wave to become disorganized.[6] Several days later, on September 7, the wave crossed into the Bay of Campeche,[7] becoming a low-pressure area the next day.[8] As a result, a few hours later, it was designated Potential Tropical Cyclone Six at 21:00 UTC on September 8.[9] Higher wind gusts in the system were enhanced by a barrier jet near the Sierra Madre Oriental.[9] Early the next day, the disturbance intensified into Tropical Storm Francine.[10] The novel storm slowly moved northwest over the next day close to the Mexico–United States border before beginning to move more to the northeast due to a ridge of high pressure over the state of Florida.[11] Steady intensification ensued, with Francine becoming a hurricane at 03:00 UTC on September 11.[12]

Beginning to accelerate northeast towards the Gulf Coast of the United States, an eyewall began developing, even as wind shear began to increase and environmental conditions worsened.[13] Despite this, a ragged eye developed on satellite imagery later that morning, leading to a peak intensity as a Category 2 hurricane. At its peak, the storm recorded maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 972 mb (28.7 inHg) at 21:00 UTC.[14] Shortly thereafter, at 22:00 UTC, Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, still maintaining Category 2 strength.[15][16] Rapid weakening began after the hurricane made landfall, and at 03:00 UTC on September 12, Francine weakened into a tropical storm.[17] The system further weakened overland, becoming a tropical depression then a post-tropical cyclone.[18][19]

Preparations

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Mexico

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Tropical storm watches were issued from Barra del Tordo to the mouth of the Rio Grande.[20] Other parts of Northeast Mexico were placed under tropical storm warning.[21] Tamaulipas shut down schools in Matamoros, San Fernando, and Valle Hermoso.[22]

United States

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ExxonMobil and Shell canceled operations in the Gulf of Mexico and evacuated their employees.[1] Amtrak modified and/or suspended service to New Orleans from September 11–18.[23]

Texas

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South Texas was placed under a tropical storm warning as Francine approached.[21] Galveston County raised their emergency management facility's level to two.[24] Governor Greg Abbott mobilized water rescue teams.[1]

Louisiana

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Hurricane warnings were issued from Sabine Pass to Morgan City.[25] Louisiana was placed under a state of emergency by the governor.[26] The governor also sent 2,300 guardsmen of the Louisiana National Guard to parishes that were likely to be affected.[27][28] Several school districts in Louisiana closed in preparation for Francine.[29][30] Mandatory evacuations were issued for Grand Isle, Lafitte, and Barataria.[31] Lafourche, Terrebonne, and Washington Parishes issued curfews.[32] St. Mary and Terrebonne Parishes raised their floodgates.[33] Iberia Parish and Baton Rouge distributed sandbags.[34][35]

Louis Armstrong International Airport canceled all flights.[36] Five USPS locations were shut down.[37] Port Fourchon, a major supplier of offshore oil producers, and the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port were closed.[38]

Elsewhere

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The coast of Mississippi and Alabama was placed under a tropical storm warning.[39][40] Governor of Mississippi Tate Reeves issued a declaration of a state of emergency.[41] Jackson, Mississippi, set up a shelter in the police training academy.[41] Several schools in the state were closed for Francine.[42]

Impact

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Mexico

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Several areas in Matamoros flooded from 200 millimetres (7.9 in) of rain;[43] aid from the Mexican Government was requested as a result.[44] Water pumps were set up across the city in response.[45] Plans DN-III and Tamaulipas were initiated to provide aid to areas affected by Francine.[43]

United States

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Maximum rainfall
State Rainfall
Alabama 12.02 in (305 mm)
Arkansas 6.19 in (157 mm)
Florida 12.75 in (324 mm)
Georgia 7.69 in (195 mm)
Louisiana 9.69 in (246 mm)
Mississippi 8.63 in (219 mm)
Missouri 3.47 in (88 mm)
Oklahoma 6.58 in (167 mm)
Tennessee 9.16 in (233 mm)
Texas 7.44 in (189 mm)
References: [46][47][48][49]

Exports out to the Gulf of Mexico were disrupted as a result of Francine,[38] and the storm knocked out 39% of oil and natural gas production.[50] Reductions in production caused crude oil national prices to jump by 2% on September 11.[51]

Texas

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By September 9, Port O'Connor was experiencing flooding conditions.[52] Rainfall in the state peaked at 7.44 in (189 mm) in Brownsville.[53]

Louisiana

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Francine made landfall near Southern Louisiana in Terrebonne Parish with sustained winds of 100 mph (155 km/h) at 22:00 UTC on September 11.[54] Storm surge was greater than 4 feet (1.2 m).[55] A tornado warning was issued for Plaquemines Parish.[32] Around 450,000 people suffered from power outages, most of which were caused by fallen debris, and around 500 people took refuge in emergency shelters.[56] Francine's winds downed numerous trees and power lines, which resulted in blocked roads. Numerous streets sustained flooding as a result of heavy rainfall.[57] The flash flooding resulted in several flash flood emergency alerts being issued.[58] Several rivers crested in Saint Tammany Parish.[59] The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office conducted numerous water rescues northwest of Thibodaux after rising flood waters surrounded multiple housing units, and all residents, including many small children, were safely evacuated. Other water rescues were also carried out in other parts of the Thibodaux area as well as the Kraemer area.[60] A 39-year-old man rescued another man, who had water up to his head, from a sinking truck below an overpass in New Orleans by smashing the truck's back window with a hammer and pulling him out through it and cutting his hand in the process.[61] Two other people were injured: a Louisiana State Police officer who was struck by a falling tree while removing downed trees on Interstate 10, and a woman in Ascension Parish who was also hit and pinned by a fallen tree.[62][63]

The federal government approved a FEMA declaration.[64] According to property data company CoreLogic, insured losses caused by Francine could reach $1.5 billion.[65] Moody’s Analytics estimates over $2 billion dollars in damage, and AccuWeather estimates over $9 billion in damage.

Mississippi

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Strong winds swept through the Mississippi Coast before sunrise on September 12. The Jackson County Office of Emergency Services reported minor damage across the county, including power outages, downed trees, and flooded streets. As Francine moved further north, it was downgraded to a tropical depression, bringing heavy rainfall to Jackson and central Mississippi. South Mississippi faced significant flooding and related issues during the storm's passage.[66] Other areas of the state also experienced downed trees and power lines.[67] During the morning of September 12, 60,000 customers experienced power outages in Mississippi.[68] Around 500 people were in state shelters.[69] One injury was reported in Jones County.[70]

Elsewhere

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There were 39,000 reported power outages in Alabama.[69] Trees and power lines were also downed in the western portion of the state.[67] In Danville, rainfall accumulated to 11.11 in (282 mm).[71]

The highest rainfall total was Apalachicola, Florida at 12.75 in (324 mm).[72]

Tennessee was buffeted by rainstorms for a few days.[73]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Yousif, Nadine; Drenon, Brandon (September 11, 2024). "Louisiana braces as Hurricane Francine barrels in". BBC. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  2. ^ Papin, Philippe (August 26, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  3. ^ Reinhart, Brad (August 28, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  4. ^ Papin, Philippe (August 29, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  5. ^ Beven, Jack (August 31, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  6. ^ Blake, Eric (September 2, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  7. ^ Bucci, Lisa (September 7, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  8. ^ Reinhart, Brad (September 8, 2024). Atlantic 7-Day Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Papin, Philippe (September 8, 2024). Potential Tropical Cyclone Six Discussion Number 1 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
  10. ^ Papin, Philipe (September 9, 2024). Tropical Storm Francine Discussion Number 4 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  11. ^ Yanez, Anthony; Brown, Caroline (September 10, 2024). "How a high in Florida is helping pull Francine away from Texas". KPRC. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  12. ^ Cangialosi, John; Hagan, Andrew (September 11, 2024). "Hurricane Francine Discussion Number 10". National Hurricane Center. Miami, Florida. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  13. ^ Reinhart, Brad (September 11, 2024). "Hurricane Francine Discussion Number 11". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  14. ^ Beven, Jack (September 11, 2024). "Hurricane Francine Discussion Number 13". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  15. ^ Sosnowski, Alex (September 11, 2024). "Hurricane Francine makes landfall in southern Louisiana as a Category 2 storm". Accuweather. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  16. ^ Kay, Christana (September 12, 2024). "Francine moves across Mississippi with drenching rains, damaging winds". WAPT. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  17. ^ Cangialosi, John (September 11, 2024). Tropical Storm Francine Discussion Number 14 (Report). Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  18. ^ Beven, Jack (September 12, 2024). "Tropical Depression Francine Discussion Number 16". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  19. ^ Taylor, Zack; Lamers, Alex (September 12, 2024). "Post-Tropical Cyclone Francine Discussion Number 17". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  20. ^ Chinchar, Allison; Norman, Gene; Raffa, Elisa; Gilbert, Mary (September 8, 2024). "Potential Tropical Cyclone Six forms in Gulf with tropical storm watch issued for Mexico". CNN. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  21. ^ a b DiMichele, Angie; Schutz, David; Ballard, Victoria (September 9, 2024). "Tropical Storm Francine likely to become hurricane soon, forecasters say". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  22. ^ "Suspenden clases por tormenta Francine en municipios de Tamaulipas". ContraRéplica (in Spanish). September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  23. ^ "Amtrak Advisory | Service adjustments due to Hurricane Francine". www.amtrak.com. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  24. ^ Flury, Jade (September 9, 2024). "Galveston businesses brace for Tropical Storm Francine". FOX 26 Houston. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  25. ^ Dakss, Brian; Czachor, Emily Mae (September 9, 2024). "Tropical Storm Francine forms in Gulf of Mexico, expected to hit Louisiana as hurricane - CBS News". CBS News. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  26. ^ "Gov. Landry declares a state of emergency for Louisiana ahead of Francine". WWNO. September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  27. ^ Cline, Sara; Brook, Jack (September 11, 2024). "Hurricane Francine could bring storm surge and flooding to Louisiana's coast". AP News. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  28. ^ Burke, Minyvonne (September 11, 2024). "Louisiana National Guard has more than 2,300 guardsmen ready to assist". NBC News. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  29. ^ Lowrey, Erin (September 9, 2024). "LIST: Schools closed ahead of expected tropical weather". WDSU. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  30. ^ Morris, Athina (September 10, 2024). "List: Parish-by-parish school closures ahead of Francine". WWNO. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  31. ^ Lowrey, Erin (September 9, 2024). "Mandatory evacuation ordered for Grand Isle, Lafitte, Barataria". WDSU. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  32. ^ a b Jennifer, Torres (September 11, 2024). "Curfews, closures and safety warnings issued as Louisiana parishes brace for Hurricane Francine". gulflive. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  33. ^ Haczek, Ángela Reyes (September 9, 2024). "La tormenta tropical Francine obliga a evacuar a lo largo de la costa del Golfo; Louisiana bajo advertencia de huracán" [Tropical Storm Francine obligates evacuations along the Gulf Coast; Louisiana is under hurricane warnings]. CNN (in Spanish). Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  34. ^ Damico, Dawson (September 9, 2024). "'As prepared as we can be:' Iberia Parish preps for Tropical Storm Francine". KLFY-TV. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  35. ^ "Luisiana bajo advertencia de huracán por tormenta Francine" [Louisiana under hurricane warning for Storm Francine]. DW (in Spanish). September 10, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  36. ^ "All flights cancelled at MSY ahead of Hurricane Francine's landfall". WDSU. September 11, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  37. ^ Lee, Bernadette (September 11, 2024). "Louisiana Post Office Closures: What You Need To Know". KPEL 96.5. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  38. ^ a b Parraga, Marianna; Seba, Erwin; Polansek, Tom (September 11, 2024). "Hurricane Francine disrupts Louisiana energy hubs, crop exports". Reuters. Houston/Chicago. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  39. ^ Beven, Jack (September 11, 2024). "Tropical Storm Francine Advisory Number 9". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  40. ^ Doubek, James (September 10, 2024). "Francine takes aim at Louisiana, where it's expected to hit as a hurricane". NPR. Retrieved September 10, 2024.
  41. ^ a b Muhammad, Shaunicy (September 10, 2024). "Mississippi Braces For Hurricane Francine". Mississippi Free Press. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  42. ^ Corder, Frank (September 11, 2024). "Mississippi braces for heavy rains, possible power outages from Hurricane Francine". Magnolia Tribune. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  43. ^ a b Tovar, Sandra (September 9, 2024). "Francine deja inundaciones en colonias de Matamoros" [Francine leaves floods in Matamoros colonies]. El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  44. ^ "Francine strengthens into a Category 1 hurricane as it churns toward Louisiana". ABC11 Raleigh-Durham. September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  45. ^ Caicedo, Santiago (September 9, 2024). "Tracking Tropical Storm Francine: Flooding reported in several Matamoros neighborhoods". KRGV. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  46. ^ Weather Prediction Center (September 12, 2024). "Storm Summary Number 5 for Heavy Rain and Wind Associated with Francine". Iowa Environmental Mesonet (Press release). National Weather Service. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  47. ^ Weather Prediction Center (September 12, 2024). "Storm Summary Number 4 for Heavy Rain and Wind Associated with Francine". National Centers for Environmental Prediction (Press release). College Park, Maryland: National Weather Service. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  48. ^ Kelly, Larry. "Hurricane Francine Tropical Cyclone Update". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  49. ^ "Storm Summary Number 8 for Southeast Heavy Rainfall associated with Francince and its Remnants". Weather Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. September 14, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  50. ^ Randolph, Ned (September 12, 2024). "Hurricane Francine lands in Louisiana, hitting New Orleans with wind and rain". Reuters. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  51. ^ Francis, Maria. "Hurricane Francine made US landfall as Cat 2: How will it impact the Northeast?". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  52. ^ "Tropical Storm Francine A Gulf Hurricane Threat". The Weather Channel. September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 9, 2024.
  53. ^ Hurricane Francine Floods Parts Of The Deep South After Landfall In Louisiana (RECAP), The Weather Channel, September 14, 2024
  54. ^ Cangialosi, John; Bucci, Lisa (September 11, 2024). "Hurricane Francine Tropical Cyclone Update". National Hurricane Center. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  55. ^ Ferrell, Jesse (September 13, 2024). "Hurricane Francine disrupted oil industry and roared ashore in Louisiana with high winds, flooding". Accuweather. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  56. ^ Torres, Jennifer (September 12, 2024). "Louisiana hurricane recovery: Officials give updates on power restoration, FEMA funds, closed roads". GulfLive. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  57. ^ Wells, Carlie; Brasted, Chelsea (September 11, 2024). "Live updates: Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana". Axios. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  58. ^ Hurricane Francine triggers Flash Flood Emergency for New Orleans as torrential rainfall causes water rescues, Fox Weather, September 13, 2024
  59. ^ Jones, Shawanda (September 13, 2024). "River levels being monitored after Hurricane Francine". WDSU. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  60. ^ "Deputies rescue 26 people from rising waters caused by Francine". WLBT. September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  61. ^ McGill, Kevin (September 12, 2024). "An ER nurse says it was 'second nature' to rescue a man trapped in hurricane floodwaters". Associated Press. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  62. ^ "Storm Francine: Thousands without power as severe rain and wind hit the Gulf Coast". NBC News. September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  63. ^ Chatman, Rian (September 12, 2024). "Woman rescued after being pinned under fallen tree during Hurricane Francine". WAFB. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  64. ^ Planas, Antonio (September 12, 2024). "Louisiana governor: 'Power is the most important thing that we need right now'". NBC News. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  65. ^ Truong, Thanh (September 16, 2024). "Francine's roughly $1.5B in insured losses adds pressure on uninsured homeowners". Fox 8. Retrieved September 17, 2024.
  66. ^ Perez, Mary (September 12, 2024). "Curfews over, South Mississippi surveys flooding after Francine's landfall".
  67. ^ a b Belles, Jonathan; Dulce, Chris; Erdman, Jon; Tonks, Sara (September 12, 2024). "Francine Packs Inland Flooding, Tornado Threats". The Weather Channel. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  68. ^ Corder, Frank (September 12, 2024). "Francine making its way through Mississippi". Magnolia Tribune. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  69. ^ a b "Francine lashes Louisiana, leaves hundreds of thousands without power - CBS News". CBS News. September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  70. ^ "Damage Report #1 from Hurricane Francine - MEMA". Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
  71. ^ Remnants of Francine soak South as flash flooding prompts water rescues in Alabama, Fox Weather, September 14, 2024
  72. ^ Hurricane Francine Floods Parts Of The Deep South After Landfall In Louisiana (RECAP), The Weather Channel, September 14, 2024
  73. ^ Leyva, Diana. "Francine-related scattered showers to continue in Middle Tennessee through the weekend". The Tennessean. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
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