Hurricane Francine could strengthen to Category 2 as it makes landfall

Francine has now strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it continues to close in on Louisiana, though meteorologists are predicting it could become a Category 2 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center .

As of 11 a.m. EST, the storm was located about 150 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, with sustained winds reaching 90 mph.

The storm is continuing to move northeast at a speed of about 13 mph, according to the Weather Channel .

At its current projections, Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall along the southern coast of Louisiana early Wednesday evening, the NHC shared.

While the storm will batter Louisiana, it is also expected to impact parts along the southern coast, stretching as far as the Florida Panhandle, where rain has already begun to fall.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency has warned that citizens should be prepared for flooding, strong winds, and possible tornadoes.

When all is said and done, most areas will see intense rainfall, but other threats include storm surge, coastal flooding, high surf, deadline rip currents, gusty winds, and even tornadoes.

AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva shared that the storm will strengthen right as it makes landfall instead of weakening, which could increase how much of the Southern United States it impacts.

“Steering breezes will guide Francine onshore in Louisiana early Wednesday evening, so the tropical storm will spend the better part of the daylight over the Gulf of Mexico, where it will have the opportunity to strengthen,” DaSilva said.

To become a Category 2 storm, Francine will need to have sustained wind speeds of 96-110 mph.

However, after it moves inland, the hurricane center is predicting that it will weaken and eventually dissipate.

Some have tried to leave Louisiana ahead of the storm’s arrival. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said it will remain open as long as conditions are safe in a post on Facebook .

Still, more than 140 flights into and out of the airport have been canceled.