The National Hurricane Center’s latest forecast, for what will become Francine, includes the Ark-La-Tex in its probable path. 

There is a tropical storm watch now in effect for the Gulf Mexican coast. The system is expected to become a tropical storm on Monday with more significant intensification expected on Tuesday as a result of very warm Gulf waters. The system is moving toward the northwest near 5 mph (7 km/h). A slow northwestward to northward motion is expected over the next day or so, followed by a faster motion to the northeast beginning late Tuesday. The storm system is forecasted to become a hurricane before it reaches the Texas/Louisiana coastline on Wednesday, according to the National Hurricane Center predictions. Formation chance is at 90%. 

Please pay close attention to the forecast in the coming days and make sure to check back with RRPJ for the latest potential impact to our area.