US: Post-Tropical Cyclone Francine tracking northwestward across northeastern Arkansas as of late Sept. 12 /update 7

Post-Tropical Cyclone Francine is tracking northwestward over northeastern Arkansas late Sept. 12 following landfall as a Category 2 hurricane over Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, in the evening of Sept. 11. As of 22:00 CDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 85 km (50 miles) west of Memphis, Tennessee. Forecast models indicate that the storm will transition into a post-tropical cyclone and then dissipate as it tracks generally northward over the Arkansas-Tennessee border area Sept. 13.

As of late Sept. 12, authorities have discontinued all storm surge and coastal warnings for the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued numerous flash flood warnings, flood watches, and tornado watches across the wider region due to adverse weather associated with the storm system. Authorities will likely update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather advisories over the coming hours and days.

Wind advisories are in effect across portions of eastern Arkansas, western Tennessee, northern Mississippi, central and northern Alabama, and northwest Georgia. Wind gusts of up to 64 kph (40 mph) are possible. Francine is forecast to bring additional rainfall of 10-15 cm (4-6 inches), with isolated totals around 20 cm (8 inches) across portions of central and northern Alabama, western Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle. 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of additional rainfall is expected across parts of northern Mississippi, northeast Arkansas, southwest Kentucky, and western Georgia. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash and urban flooding.

Water levels remain elevated along the Gulf Coast between eastern Louisiana and Alabama but will recede through Sept. 12. Swells from the system are expected to subside along the northern Gulf Coast Sept. 12. These swells will likely cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Authorities in Louisiana and Mississippi issued a statewide declaration of emergency in advance of the storm, while President Joe Biden declared a state of federal emergency in Louisiana late Sept. 11. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations and curfews were ordered in coastal areas of Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi ahead of the storm's approach. All flights were canceled at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) Sept. 11, and some flights remain canceled early Sept. 12. Flight disruptions were also reported at Baton Rouge Metro Airport (BTR), Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), and Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT). The airport is operational, but further flight disruptions are possible as airlines work to clear backlogs. Some oil and gas companies suspended operations and evacuated nonessential personnel on platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Ports from Texas to Alabama were closed or were operating with restrictions; most have since reopened and are operating normally. Some schools, hospitals, and clinics in parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, including New Orleans, are closed through at least Sept. 12.

As of late Sept. 12, more than 158,000 customers across Louisiana and more than 12,000 customers across Alabama are without power. Authorities in New Orleans have told residents to conserve water as power outages are causing issues at pump stations. The sewer system in Jefferson Parish is overwhelmed; residents are asked to conserve water to help avoid backups. Road closures have been reported due to flooding in parts of Louisiana and Mississippi and around 100 homes were flooded in Kenner outside New Orleans in Louisiana. Emergency services rescued 26 people due to rising floodwaters in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, late Sept. 11. Reports indicate that 350 structures in St. Charles Parish and 50 structures in Jefferson Parish have been flooded, and at least eight properties in nearby Lafourche Parish were damaged. Damage assessments are ongoing in the region.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.