14 Sep 2024 | 12:22 AM UTC
US: Post-Tropical Cyclone Francine tracking southeastward across northern Arkansas as of the evening of Sept. 13 /update 8
PTC Francine tracking southeastward over north Arkansas, US, the evening of Sept. 13. Severe weather likely through Sept. 15.
Post-Tropical Cyclone Francine is tracking southeastward over northern Arkansas the evening of Sept. 13 following landfall as a Category 2 hurricane over Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, the evening of Sept. 11. As of 16:00 CDT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 85 km (55 miles) north-northeast of Little Rock, Arkansas. Forecast models indicate that the storm will dissipate as it tracks generally southeastward over Arkansas Sept. 13.
As of the evening of Sept. 12, authorities have discontinued all storm surge and coastal warnings for the storm. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued numerous flood watches for portions of the Tennessee Valley and Southeast due to adverse weather associated with the storm system. Authorities have warned of the risk of flash and urban flooding across portions of the Tennessee Valley and Southeast through Sept. 14. Some of this flooding could be locally considerable, especially across portions of central and northern Alabama Sept. 13. Authorities will likely update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather advisories over the coming hours and days.
Francine is forecast to bring additional rainfall of 7.5-15 cm (3-6 inches), with isolated totals around 20 cm (8 inches) across portions of central and northern Alabama through Sept. 15. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash and urban flooding. 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of additional rainfall is likely across portions of northeastern Mississippi, western Tennessee, western Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. The NWS Weather Prediction Center has issued a moderate risk (second highest level on a four-tier scale) for excessive rainfall over portions of central and northern Alabama through early Sept. 14. Slight risks for excessive rainfall are in place across western Tennessee, far northeastern Mississippi, the rest of northern and central Alabama, western Florida, and central Georgia through early Sept. 14 and from central Tennessee southeastward into central Georgia Sept. 14-early Sept. 15.
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. Officials ordered mandatory and voluntary evacuations and curfews in coastal areas of Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi ahead of the storm's approach, though they have since rescinded most. Around 500 people were sheltering in emergency shelters across Louisiana at the height of the storm.
Officials canceled all flights at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) Sept. 11, and some flights remain suspended early Sept. 12. Reports also indicate flight disruptions at Baton Rouge Metro Airport (BTR), Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT), and Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT). The airports are 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.
As of late Sept. 12, more than 73,000 customers across Louisiana remain without power. 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 350 flooded structures in St. Charles Parish and 50 others in Jefferson Parish, and at least eight damaged properties in nearby Lafourche Parish. Damage assessments are continuing 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.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the storm's path, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
