Tropical Depression Francine, which began as a powerful Category 2 hurricane, made landfall south of Morgan City, Louisiana, on Wednesday. While it has since weakened, the storm is still causing significant problems as it moves inland, leaving over 400,000 without power and bringing heavy rain and dangerous winds.

Heavy Rain and Tornado Threats

Even though Francine is now a tropical depression, it’s still packing a punch. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and the possibility of tornadoes across the South, stretching as far north as the mid-Mississippi Valley. Wind Advisories and Flood Watches have been issued across a wide area, from southern Missouri to Tennessee. Flash floods and localized flooding could occur in areas where rain bands repeatedly move through.

Impact on Trees and Power Outages

One major concern is the effect of heavy rain on trees. Saturated soil can weaken tree roots, making it easier for strong winds to topple them. This can lead to even more power outages across the region. Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, pointed out that wet ground increases the risk of trees falling, which could worsen the power situation.

Rainfall Totals and Tornado Watch

The storm is expected to dump 2-5 inches of rain in areas like Greenwood, Mississippi; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Jonesboro, Arkansas. While widespread flooding is not expected due to dry soil, localized flooding is still a risk in poor-drainage areas.

Tornado Warnings were issued in some Louisiana parishes on Wednesday, but so far, no confirmed tornadoes have been reported. Tornado Watches remain in effect, and the threat is expected to extend farther inland as the storm continues to weaken.

Could Francine Help Drought Conditions?

Interestingly, Francine’s heavy rainfall could be beneficial for some areas that have been experiencing drought. Places from the Gulf Coast to the southern Ohio Valley have been dealing with “abnormally dry” to “extreme” drought conditions. The 2-5 inches of rain expected could help alleviate some of the dry conditions, especially along the Mississippi River, where water levels have dropped significantly.

In conclusion, while Tropical Depression Francine is no longer the fierce hurricane it once was, it’s still causing serious weather issues across the South. From flooding to power outages and the potential for tornadoes, this storm is one to keep an eye on until it fully dissipates.