The Louisiana Tropical-Strategy-Force-Wind-Surface Storm (TAMPS) is Moving Through the Gulf of Mexico

The storm’s maximum sustained winds were 50 mph, the agency said in a Monday advisory. “Gradual intensification is expected over the next day with more significant intensification on Tuesday Night and Wednesday,” the NHC said.

The tropical-storm-force winds will begin to move in Louisiana by midday on Wednesday, with Francine making it’s way to New Orleans later in the day. By that time, residents will need to have all of their preparation done.

It’s time to double check your supplies, warn the NWS in New Orleans. Don’t wait until tomorrow. It recommended to Louisianans to charge electronic devices, get water, remove debris from drains, check first aid kits and prescriptions, and have a plan for pets.

The abnormally warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico are fueling the storm’s development and intensity. The warmer waters are a hallmark of climate change.

The areas of Baton Rouge and New Orleans are located in a large swath of southeast Louisiana that could see flooding rain and tornadoes. Baton Rouge’s mayor declared a state of emergency and schools are closed on Wednesday and Thursday. The schools will not be open on Wednesday. NPR member station WWNO has a list of which school systems are closing.

There are orders to evacuate in Cameron Parish in the southwest and Terrebonne Parish in the southeast. The map was provided by the state’s transportation department.

The storm is currently in the Gulf, about 130 miles east of Mexico’s Tamaulipas state as of 2 p.m. ET. The storm is moving to the northeast and away from Mexico and southern Texas, according to the forecasts.

We have to keep an eye on this one. It isn’t Laura or Ida, but that storm will have an impact on the state as it makes its way into south-central and southeastern Louisiana.