HATTIESBURG, Miss. ( WHLT ) – Leaders with the City of Hattiesburg are encouraging neighbors to prepare for Tropical Storm Francine.

Tropical Storm Francine formed in the southwest Gulf of Mexico and could affect Hattiesburg later this week. Leaders said flash flooding and isolated tornadoes are the primary concerns.

Francine is expected to make landfall on the central Louisiana coast Wednesday as a Category 1 hurricane with 85 mph winds.

Starting Wednesday afternoon, Hattiesburg could see the threat of spin-up tornadoes, with flash flooding risks beginning Wednesday night and both risks continuing into Thursday morning. The area could receive four to six inches of rain in a short period.

Hattiesburg leaders said sandbags will be available at Fire Station 1, located at 810 N. Main Street. The sand arrived Monday afternoon and is located at the back of the fire station. Neighbors will need to bring their own shovels. Bags will be provided, but there are a limited number of bags.

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