After Hurricane Humberto emerged as a tropical storm over theGulf of Mexico and slamming ashore on the Texas coast earlyThursday with winds up to 85 miles an hour, experts beganpredicting his turn toward the Southeastern United States.

The National Hurricane Center released a statement that thecenter of Humberto can be expected to cross central Louisiana, butit is expected to weaken during the day as it moves inland, centerofficials said.

In addition, Humberto is expected to dump five to 10 inches ofrain across southern states including Louisiana, Arkansas andMississippi.

Lincoln County Civil Defense Director Clifford Galey said unlesssomething completely unexpected occurs, area residents may seequite a bit of rain, but that dangerous conditions are notlikely.

“Right now, by the time it gets to us it’s just going to be alow pressure area,” he said. “But there’s a possibility of two tofour inches of rain.”

Galey said thunderstorm and tornado watches are a probability,but residents who are apprehensive because of the damage done byKatrina can rest assured.

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