Francine targets Louisiana; increased risk of heavy rain and strong winds – Mississippi’s best local newspaper

NATCHEZ — The National Hurricane Center has named the tropical storm brewing in the Gulf of Mexico Francine. The center expects Francine to become a hurricane by Tuesday.

Francine has targeted the entire Gulf Coast of Louisiana.

The National Weather Service is forecasting an increased risk of heavy rain and winds for Natchez and Adams County starting Wednesday night through Thursday.

Francine is expected to bring a storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and winds of 90 mph (140 kph) when it hits the Louisiana coast. Meteorologists say it could leave 6 inches (15 centimeters) of rain along the coast and for miles inland.

For Natchez and Adams Counties, the National Weather Service in Jackson predicts rainfall of between 10 and 15 centimeters and wind gusts of up to 40 kilometers per hour due to Francine.

Robert Bradford, Adams County emergency management director, said his agency is preparing to help residents weather the storm.

“We have spoken to the city and the county and are preparing sand for sandbags,” he said.

Sandbags and sand are available at the county on Majorca Road and at the volunteer fire department on Foster Mound Road. The city will have sandbags available at the public works department site on Old Washington Road.

“People definitely need to bring their own shovels,” Bradford said.

He said the emergency operations center, located in the basement of the Adams County Jail, 201 South Wall St., would be open Wednesday to monitor weather and conditions.

If necessary, a decision will be made as to whether the safe room on Liberty Road next to Natchez Middle School will be opened.

“Schools will probably decide sometime on Wednesday whether to have classes on Thursday,” Bradford said.