Memphis Braces for Tropical Storm Francine’s Arrival
As the winds pick up and the clouds gather, Memphis is preparing to face Tropical Storm Francine, which has her sights set on the city this week. Now categorized as a tropical storm, Francine is showing signs of strengthening as she churns along the Gulf Coast of Texas. According to the latest reports, she may reach **_hurricane status_** before making landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday.
A Storm on the Rise
Weather experts have noted that Francine is gaining strength due to **_high water temperatures_** in the Gulf, which they describe as “rocket fuel” for the storm. Already producing maximum sustained winds near 65 mph, with even higher gusts, the National Weather Service anticipates **_significant strengthening_** before she hits Louisiana.
Rainfall Predictions
For those in Louisiana and Mississippi, brace yourselves for heavy rain! The area is expected to receive between **_four to eight inches_** of rain, with some regions potentially inundated with over a foot of rain through Friday morning. This could lead to **_considerable flash and urban flooding_**. As Francine turns northward, it looks like she could bring a rainy weekend to many in West Tennessee, including Memphis.
What to Expect in Memphis
The current path suggests that Francine will reach Memphis by **_Thursday_**, bringing along waves of rain and strong winds. Rain could begin as early as Thursday morning, with a **_50% chance_** of showers starting around 1 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. Some parts of the Midsouth may see between **_three to five inches_** of rain, with West and Middle Tennessee expected to bear the brunt of the rain, receiving around **_three to four inches_** from Thursday through Saturday.
Flooding Concerns
Interestingly, despite the high rainfall amounts, officials believe that widespread flooding is unlikely. The ground has been quite dry, and rivers are low, which will help in managing the rain over the three-day period. Mark Rose, a meteorologist, noted that because of these factors, the rain should spread out and not overwhelm the area.
Wind Forecast
As storm systems often bring along gusty winds, Francine is no different. While her winds will likely weaken as she progresses inland, gusts could still reach up to **_25-30 miles per hour_** in the Memphis area. This may especially be felt on Thursday, particularly east of the Mississippi River, where storm remains could be most potent. However, these wind speeds should stay below advisory levels, which start at **_35 miles per hour_**, so we are not looking at any significant wind alerts for the area.
Stay Informed
As Tropical Storm Francine continues her journey towards Memphis, it’s important to stay updated and prepared. Keep an eye on local forecasts, ensure your emergency kits are stocked, and stay safe. Have a plan in place for possible flooding, especially if you live in low-lying areas. Let’s hope that this storm doesn’t cause too much trouble for our city!
So, there we have it! A weather event is shaping up that could bring a flurry of activity to our beloved Memphis. With preparations in full swing and everyone keeping tabs on the storm’s progress, let’s hope for the best and prepare for what comes!
