Tropical Storm Francine continues to organize and gain strength. Francine will likely become a hurricane today, with significant strengthening expected before it reaches the Louisiana coast. She is forecasted to make landfall Wednesday evening as possibly a Cat 2.

At this time, threats to Red River Parish appear to be minimal with gusty winds and possible bouts of heavy rain Wednesday into Thursday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center of the storm. The threat of isolated tornados depends on the tract of the storm after it moves inland.

Francine will gain speed Wednesday and be out of Louisiana by Thursday. A rapid weakening is expected after she moves inland.

Information shared at the 7am advisory by National Hurricane Center