Gulf Islands National Seashore is closing the Fort Pickens area effective immediately beginning Tuesday in preparation for Tropical Storm Francine.
According to USA TODAY, the National Hurricane Center said Francine was expected to move just off the Texas coast on Tuesday, then hit Louisiana before hitting Mississippi Wednesday night or Thursday. The weather service said a few tornadoes are possible in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday.
Campers at Fort Pickens Campground must be evacuated by noon Tuesday
The remainder of the Florida District Areas remain open for day use. The Fort Pickens Area is closed until further notice. Park staff will assess conditions on Thursday.
For more information, you can follow the park’s social media accounts and website.
This article originally appeared in the Pensacola News Journal: Tropical Storm Francine Gulf Island Seashore Closes Fort Pickens
