Tropical Storm Francine Develops in Gulf, Expected to Make U.S. Landfall as a Hurricane
Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is rapidly gaining strength, with meteorologists warning that it could soon become a hurricane. As it heads toward U.S. landfall, millions of residents along the Gulf Coast are bracing for potential impacts, ranging from heavy rain and flooding to damaging winds and storm surges. Here are the latest developments on Tropical Storm Francine and what to expect as it approaches the mainland. 1. Current Path and Strength of Tropical Storm Francine Tropical Storm Francine is currently moving northwest through the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, where conditions are favorable for rapid intensification. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Francine's sustained winds have already reached 60 mph, and it is expected to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane within the next 24 to 48 hours. The storm is projected to make landfall somewhere along the U.S. Gulf Coast by the end of the week, with areas from Texas to Flo...