Tropical Depression Francine Brings Heavy Rainfall to the Deep South

Tropical Depression Francine has transitioned from a hurricane to a tropical depression as it pushes inland into the Deep South following its landfall in Louisiana. The storm, which formed in the Gulf of Mexico, made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing maximum winds of 100 mph. It caused significant disruption, including power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents and dangerous storm surges in coastal areas. As Francine moves northeast through Mississippi, it continues to bring heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds. The primary concern now is flash flooding, particularly across parts of Mississippi and the Deep South.

Despite its weakening status, the storm's effects are still felt with potential wind gusts remaining a threat. Meteorologists predict that Francine will dissipate by Friday, alleviating some of the immediate concerns. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has already seen several named storms, with Francine being the sixth.