Approaching storm on track to become hurricane, aiming for Louisiana.

Tropical Storm Francine is rapidly intensifying off the Texas Gulf Coast and is forecast to reach hurricane status and make landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm. The storm is gaining strength due to high water temperatures in the Gulf, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph. Louisiana and Mississippi are expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, with the potential for up to a foot in some areas, leading to flooding concerns. Tornadoes are possible in several states, and offshore energy workers are being evacuated. Parts of southwest Louisiana are still recovering from hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020, adding to the potential damage. Francine is the sixth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Evacuation orders may be issued in the affected areas, with warnings of life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds. This is a developing situation, with the storm expected to intensify further before making landfall.

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