Hurricane Francine Makes Landfall Bringing Destructive Winds And Dangerous Storm Surge With Her

Hurricane Francine Makes Landfall, Bringing Destruction

Hurricane Francine, a Category 4 storm, slammed into the Gulf Coast on Tuesday, bringing with it powerful winds and a dangerous storm surge.

The storm made landfall near Fort Myers, Florida, and is moving north-northeast at 15 mph. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center of the storm, and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles.

The National Hurricane Center has issued a hurricane warning for the coast of Florida from Bonita Beach to Clearwater, including Tampa Bay. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the coast of Florida from Clearwater to Steinhatchee River.

Hurricane Francine is expected to bring heavy rain to the Gulf Coast, with some areas receiving up to 12 inches of rain. The storm surge could reach as high as 12 feet in some areas.

Residents in the affected areas are urged to evacuate to higher ground and to be prepared for power outages and flooding.

Hurricane Francine is the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Hurricane Michael in 2018.

The storm is expected to cause widespread damage, and residents in the affected areas are urged to take precautions to stay safe.

Here are some tips for staying safe during a hurricane:

• Evacuate to higher ground if you live in an area that is prone to flooding.
• Secure your home by boarding up windows and doors and removing any loose objects from your yard.
• Stock up on food, water, and other essential supplies.
• Have a plan for how you will communicate with family and friends if the power goes out.
• Stay informed about the storm's track and intensity by listening to the radio or watching television.

If you are caught in a hurricane, here are some things you should do to stay safe:

1. Stay indoors and away from windows.
2. If you must go outside, wear sturdy shoes and clothing and be aware of your surroundings.
3. Do not drive through flooded areas.
4. If you are in a car, pull over to the side of the road and stay inside until the storm passes.
5. If you are in a building, go to the lowest level and stay away from windows.

Hurricane Francine is a dangerous storm, but by taking precautions you can stay safe.

Here are some additional resources for hurricane preparedness:

• Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness
• FEMA Hurricane Safety
• National Hurricane Center