SUMMARY: Hurricane Francine is intensifying in the Gulf, transitioning from a tropical storm to a category 1 hurricane. The National Hurricane Center has issued updated tracking information, indicating a potential eastward shift towards South Mississippi, raising concerns about heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds. The Coast Guard is prioritizing public safety and monitoring the situation closely, enforcing a systematic shutdown of waterways ahead of the storm. Shelters are opening, and numerous closures across schools, businesses, and municipal services have been announced in South Mississippi in preparation for the hurricane’s impact. Residents are urgently stocking up on supplies.

Trey Tonnessen, Rick Boone, Grant Chighiziola

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