Hattiesburg officials urge residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Francine

Lici Beveridge, Hattiesburg American
Updated ·2 min read

Hattiesburg and emergency management officials are urging residents to batten down the hatches as Tropical Storm Francine approaches.

The storm is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall in central Louisiana early Wednesday. As of Tuesday afternoon, the storm's track has shifted eastward, which could increase the impact on Hattiesburg.

A tropical storm watch was issued Tuesday morning for the Hattiesburg area that will remain in place until further notice.

Possible northeast path of Tropical Storm Francine as of early Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.
Possible northeast path of Tropical Storm Francine as of early Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

Across Mississippi: Tropical Storm Francine nears hurricane force. Where to expect flooding

On Monday, Hattiesburg officials announced on Facebook that residents should make preparations ahead of the storm, which could bring flash flooding and spin-up tornadoes as it passes through the area Wednesday into Thursday morning.

The city set up a sandbag station at Fire Station 1 for residents who are concerned about flooding.

Sandbags also are available at Forrest County EOC, 4080 U.S. 11 in Hattiesburg; Petal Fire Station 1, 102 Fairchild Drive; and Forrest County District 5 Barn, 2169 Carnes Road in Brooklyn.

Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall Wednesday on the central Louisiana coast, will bring rain and the possibility of flash flooding and tornadoes throughout the state.
Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before making landfall Wednesday on the central Louisiana coast, will bring rain and the possibility of flash flooding and tornadoes throughout the state.

"The area could receive 4 to 6 inches of rain in a short period," city officials reported. "These storms can change quickly, and we are closely monitoring Francine’s path. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available."

Residents also are encouraged to prepare for possible power outages and have emergency supplies on hand.

A tropical storm warning was issued Tuesday morning for the Mississippi coast east of the mouth of the Pearl River to the Mississippi/Alabama border. In addition, a storm surge warning has been issued for the three Mississippi coastal counties.

After Francine makes landfall, the center is expected to move through Mississippi on Wednesday night or Thursday, bringing rain and the potential for damaging winds and tornadoes throughout the state.

Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Hattiesburg MS could see impact from Tropical Storm Francine