It's Hurricane Francine now

The National Hurricane Center declared Francine a hurricane at 7 p.m. Tuesday, when reconnaissance found the storm's maximum sustained winds had reached 75 miles per hour.

The hurricane is moving northeast at ten miles per hour and is predicted to make landfall on the Louisiana coast some time tomorrow afternoon or evening.

Forecasters expect the storm to pick up forward speed as it gets caught in a low pressure trough, drawing the storm toward Louisiana.

"After that time, Francine should turn more northward between the trough and a mid-level ridge over the eastern United States," said Dr. Jack Beven, Senior Hurricane Specialist.

A hurricane watch is in effect for metro New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain, and Lake Maurepas. A hurricane warning is in effect from Calcasieu Lake to Grand Isle, and a tropical storm warning extends from Grand Isle to the Alabama/Florida line, including New Orleans.