MOBILE, Ala., Sept. 10, 2024—The National Hurricane Center is forecasting Tropical Storm Francine to intensify into a hurricane today and make landfall along the northwest Gulf Coast tomorrow afternoon.

As of today, there are no tropical watches or warnings for this area.

Although the track of the storm is forecast to make landfall west of the Mobile forecast area, multiple impacts from the storm are expected, according to Mobile’s National Weather Service.

Confidence continues to increase on the potential for tornadoes across the area, especially near the coast tomorrow night through Thursday.

Heavy rainfall and flooding concerns increase tomorrow and tomorrow night, with the greatest potential for flooding over the western Florida panhandle, southern portions of southwest Alabama and southeast Mississippi.

A high risk of rip currents is expected Tuesday night through Friday night. Surf is also expected to build to 5 to 7 feet, with a few breakers over 8 feet possible Wednesday through Thursday night. Minor to moderate beach erosion is possible.

Mobile NWS will also be monitoring for the potential for tropical storm force winds across portions of southeast Mississippi and southwest Alabama late tomorrow into Thursday morning.

Any eastward shift in the track of Francine would result in more impacts, according to the NWS.

Mobile National Weather Service release