BROOKHAVEN — Hurricane Francine officially made landfall in Terrebonne Parish Wednesday afternoon at 5 p.m. The storm was a category 2 hurricane with 100 mph sustained winds. Since landfall, it has now weakened to a tropical storm with sustained wind speeds at 70 mph.

The storm is continuing to move northeast at 16 mph and still poses several threats to Lincoln County.

Lincoln County is expected to experience wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph which could lead to widespread downed trees and power lines. Damage to roofs and roads being blocked could be expected. Power outages could last for several days. The majority of strong winds is expected to be in the area between 12 a.m. and 8 a.m. Thursday.

At this time, McComb’s weather station reports 10 mph sustained wind speeds with gusts reaching 31 mph. So far Wednesday,  .68 inches of rain have fallen with more expected to come as the storm approaches.

Entergy reports 38 customers without power, Southwest Electric reports 0 power outages while Magnolia Electric reports 40 customers are without power in Lincoln County.

Flash flooding is a threat associated with this storm. Francine could dump four to six inches of rain on Lincoln County in a short period of time causing localized flash flooding of low lying areas and minor river flooding. There is also a marginal risk of tornados developing in a majority of Lincoln County but the tornado threat has really shifted towards Alabama.

As of this morning, a tropical storm warning and flood watch were in effect. A tropical storm warning means tropical storm winds are expected in the next 36 hours. Severe weather is forecast to pass through by commute time Thursday morning but it will depend on tree and power line damage how safe a morning commute would be.

The Brookhaven Building, located at 1154 Beltline Drive in Brookhaven, opened as a safe room starting at 3 p.m. People would need to bring their own medication, food, water, comfort items and any other necessary items with them. Chairs and tables would be provided. Pets are not allowed in the safe room. It will remain open as a safe room until the threat of severe weather is over.

Check back for more updates as this storm approaches southwest Mississippi. Report any storm damage to news@dailyleader.com.