The westward movement of the eye of Tropical Storm Francine has been slowing as the system hits dry air.

“The air is causing a little bit of a disruption right now,” said National Weather Service Lake Charles Storm Warning Meteorologist Doug Cramer.

But that is not expected to last.

“We do have confidence the storm will intensify over the next few hours,” Cramer said. “The intensity forecast hasn’t changed at all.”

Francine is soon expected to track over a pool of very warm Gulf water that would help it grow in strength.

Francine now has estimated sustained winds of 65 mph.

It is expected to be a Category 2 hurricane prior to making landfall. Right now, it is forecast to hit near Intracoastal City in Vermilion Parish.

Cramer said confidence continues to increase for coastal flooding. Surge could range from 5-10 feet east of Cameron and 3-5 feet west of Cameron.

The potential for a few tornadoes exists along and east of a line from Lake Arthur to Cottonport, Cramer said.