Latest forecast
Francine is churning north as a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mph winds.
Landfall is forecast Wednesday afternoon or early evening as a Category 1 hurricane near Houma, Louisiana.
![PHOTO: Francine Forecast Path Map](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/450143c3-d8dd-47ad-ad46-c96a6f0cbe6c/francine-forecast-path-map-abc-jef-240911_1726067812430_hpEmbed_16x9.jpg)
Life-threatening storm surge, flash flooding and hurricane-force winds are bearing down on Louisiana.
The storm surge could reach 10 feet along the Louisiana coast and wind gusts could hit 70 mph in New Orleans.
![PHOTO: Francine Alerts Latest Map](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/f38a448a-4f99-4b39-a3cf-6b7fd909f87a/francine-latest-alerts-map-abc-jef-240911_1726067812442_hpEmbed_16x9.jpg)
"Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding," the National Hurricane Center warned.
![](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/8208d4ed-78e5-414a-8a2f-197d54706cd3/francine-prep-01-ap-jef-240911_1726057379204_hpMain.jpg)
By Thursday morning, Francine will be bringing rain and gusty winds to Mississippi, and potential tornadoes to Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
Throughout the day Thursday, the heavy rain and tornado threat will move into northern Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Flash flooding is possible near Memphis and Nashville.
-ABC News’ Max Golembo