Hurricane Francine tracker: Path, rainfall, flood risk and more

Tuesday night, Francine intensified into a stronger hurricane, as it approaches Louisiana's coast. It's predicted to bring with it strong winds and storm surges that could be fatal.

AccuWeather expert meteorologists say Francine is forecast to intensify into a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 96-110 mph in the next 24 hours before slamming the Louisiana coast with life-threatening storm surge .

Here’s a look at where Hurricane Francine is, where it's heading next, forecasts for the week, and flood risk as it heads inland in Louisiana.

"Now that Francine has a well-organized core, significant strengthening seems likely through Wednesday morning while the system remains over very warm waters and in low wind shear conditions," the National Hurricane Center said in a forecast discussion on Tuesday.

Where is Hurricane Francine now?

Where dangerous storm surges could occur

The National Hurricane Center states that if the storm surge hits during high tide, peak inundation in some areas of southern Louisiana, including Vermilion Bay, could reach 5 to 10 feet. Along the beaches of Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, where the surge may reach 6 feet, flooding is also predicted.

“The worst of the storm surge will be to the east of the center of circulation where Francine makes landfall. Ten to 15 feet of storm surge can cause serious damage,” said AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno.

Hurricane Francine flash flood risk

Francine is expected to bring heavy rains and gusts of wind to eastern Louisiana and areas of Mississippi after making landfall and continuing until tonight. Later this week, rainfall from Francine and her aftereffects will impact additional areas of the Southeast, extending as far north as the Tennessee and lower Ohio valleys, according to Weather.com

How coastal residents should prepare for Hurricane Francine?

The hurricane center advises:

◾ Protect your home – covering windows, securing doors, and loose items outdoors.

◾ Determine your shelter options and consider your pets.

◾ Ready your go-bags, medications, and supplies.

◾ Have multiple days of nonperishable food, water, and medications.

◾ Charge your phone and fill up or charge your vehicles.

◾ Help your neighbors, especially older adults and the vulnerable.

◾ Follow any evacuation orders.

CONTRIBUTING John Bacon, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Thao Nguyen

SOURCE NOAA, GOES, Weather.com and USA TODAY research

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hurricane Francine tracker: Path, rainfall, flood risk and more