Francine Upgraded to Category 2 Hurricane, According to NHC – Reuters

Hurricane Francine has intensified into a Category 2 storm, with its eye approaching the Louisiana coast, according to reports from the U.S. National Hurricane Center on Wednesday.

The hurricane is currently situated about 100 miles (160 km) west-southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds reaching 100 mph (155 kph). The forecaster has warned of “life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions spreading onto the Louisiana coast.”

As the storm approaches, the potential for significant impact in the region continues to grow.