BROOKHAVEN — Francine has now officially become a hurricane according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida. A state of emergency was declared for Mississippi by Gov. Tate Reeves.

Sustained wind speeds have reached 75 mph inside the storm which is a Category 1 hurricane. According to the NHC, Francine is expected to make landfall in Louisiana Wednesday afternoon or evening and move its way up to southwest Mississippi. It should weaken into a tropical storm by the time it reaches southwest Mississippi

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Lincoln County as is a flood watch until Sept. 12. NWS Jackson warns sustained wind speeds could be between 45 to 55 mph. The storm will likely strengthen to a hurricane tonight. Tropical Storm force winds could reach Lincoln County sometime between 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday. The center track of the storm shows it passing just east of Brookhaven. Tracks of the storm have shifted east over the last few forecast advisories issued by the National Hurricane Center.

Check back for further updates on the storm.