Following the Path of Tropical Storm Francine: Tracking its trajectory, future outlook, and hurricane classification

The storm began as a disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico and strengthened into a tropical depression on Monday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane activity is higher than normal A total of 17 to 25 storms with wind speeds of 39 mph or greater are forecast for the Atlantic basin this year, with 8 to 13 of those predicted to become hurricanes. Higher than normal activity is predicted as ocean temperatures in the Atlantic near record highs, a La Niña phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean weakens the Atlantic trade winds, and reduces wind shear.