LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Tropical Storm Francine turned into a hurricane on Tuesday evening and it could impact parts of Arkansas beginning on Wednesday night through the early morning hours on Friday.
At this time, Hurricane Francine is a Category 2 hurricane with winds of 100 mph and is currently making landfall along the Louisiana coast.
In preparation, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas decided to dispatch 55 lineworkers, utility vehicles, and some construction equipment to assist an electric company in Central City, Louisiana.
When will Hurricane Francine make landfall?
It is expected to make landfall along the coast of Louisiana as early as Wednesday afternoon with winds of 90mph or stronger.
What parts of the country will be impacted by Hurricane Francine?
As Francine travels north, portions of southeastern and eastern Arkansas will experience the greatest impacts with wind gusts of 30 to 50mph and will cause heavy rainfall from Wednesday night through early Friday.
The track of Francine keeps most of Arkansas on the western side of the circulation. This is somewhat good news as typically, the eastern side has to deal with tropical tornadoes.
Hurricane Francine will be just east of Arkansas on Thursday morning and over western Tennessee on Thursday afternoon.
It’s possible that the remnants could back into the northeastern part of the state as it weakens.
What impacts will Hurricane Francine have on people in Arkansas?
Impacts of the storm include strong wind gusts and heavy rainfall.
Currently, the eastern half of Arkansas could receive anywhere from one inch to as much as three inches of rain.
Meanwhile, counties along the Tennessee and Mississippi border could pick up over three inches of rain.
The track of Francine may wobble a little east or west in the next couple of days which will affect who receives the most rain and strongest wind gusts.
Stay with THV11 for the latest updates on Hurricane Francine.
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