BROOKHAVEN — Tropical Storm Francine has developed in the Gulf of Mexico south of Texas. It is forecast to bring severe weather threats to Lincoln County.

Monday, Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Reid highlighted the chance of heavy rainfall. 

According to the National Weather Service, flash flooding will be likely Wednesday through Thursday. Four to six inches of rain is forecast for a short period of time, Reid said. Some roads could become flooded or closed. Minor river flooding is possible.

“It looks like it will be mainly a rain event and some wind gusts with isolated severe storms,” Reid said. “With the dead trees from the drought last year we will probably have downed trees. Just be careful when you are out driving. Things could still change. We are monitoring the storm closely. Normal places that flood will be flooded if we get the rain forecast.” 

The National Weather Service in Jackson warns a marginal risk of severe storms could accompany heavy rainfall with damaging wind gusts, and a few tornadoes are possible Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.

Reid said the FEMA building could open if there is a more severe weather threat. 

According to the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Francine is forecast to become a hurricane by the middle of the week when it approaches the Louisiana gulf coast.  National Hurricane Center reports reconnaissance collected by the United States Air Force determined the storm’s sustained wind speeds have increased to 60 mph. 

“Additional intensification is expected over the next day with more significant intensification forecast on Tuesday Night and Wednesday,” NHC states. “Francine is expected to become a hurricane before it reaches the northwestern U.S. Gulf Coast on Wednesday.”

Tropical storm force winds have the potential to reach Lincoln County by Wednesday night at 8 p.m. Tropical Storm winds range from 39 to 73 mph. 

Check back for more updates as this storm develops. The next weather advisory update from NHC is expected at 4 p.m.