Tropical system Francine, currently brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, plans to crash the Louisiana party on Wednesday, potentially bringing winds of 80 mph and enough rain to make everyone’s backyards feel like swimming pools.

As Tropical Storm Francine barrels toward Louisiana, residents are gearing up for a showdown with winds that could reach 80 mph and rainfall threatening to turn streets into rivers. With warnings of life-threatening storm surges and a Tropical Storm Watch extending into Texas, locals are faced with the reality that swimming pools may soon be the second most popular body of water in their backyards—right behind the new lake Francine is planning to create.

Forecasters report that the storm, which is currently about 295 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande, is moving north-northwest at a leisurely pace of 5 mph. At this rate, it's possible Francine might make a side trip for some beignets before hitting land, but we wouldn't recommend putting any money on that bet.

As if Mother Nature decided to throw a hurricane-themed party, tropical-storm-force winds are already extending outward up to 185 miles from the storm's center. This means the gusty winds might drop by the next small town over, just to let them know Francine is on her way. After all, it wouldn't be polite not to say hello to the neighboring states, would it?

Louisiana is preparing for a deluge of rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to a foot of rain in some areas. Residents might want to start stocking up on floaties, or at the very least check their collection of kiddie pools, just in case the rain arrives ahead of schedule. Some families even consider investing in inflatable swan floaties as a solid summer party accessory that's also highly functional during a deluge.

Adding fuel to the stormy fire is the issued Tropical Storm Watch for parts of Texas, which means them too won’t be getting a free pass. Coastal areas are bracing themselves for the sort of wild weather that can make even the hardest barbecue enthusiast reconsider their grill’s placement in the yard. No one wants their brisket floating away like a piece of driftwood.

Residents along the Louisiana and upper-Texas coasts are being urged to prepare for life-threatening storm surges and hurricane-force winds. As if the weather wasn’t dramatic enough, these conditions could easily transform any fishing trip into an extreme sport. Anyone planning to fish during the storm may want to consider pulling out their surfboards instead.

While individuals scramble to batten down the hatches and secure their outdoor furniture, reports indicate that officials are advising people to have an emergency kit ready. You know, just the standard stuff: non-perishable food, fresh water, batteries, and perhaps a deck of cards for some hurricane-themed card games as they wait out the storm. Do not forget snacks; they are essential, especially during coding marathons through mother nature's tantrums.

In a twist of irony, Tropical Storm Francine seems intent on reminding Coastal communities that their rain dance sessions from summer were likely met with a collective yawn from Mother Nature, who now is ready to join in with a full drumline. Indeed, perhaps locals should have been more careful what they wished for. After all, on the bright side, those dry lawns may be getting the refreshing drink they’ve been yearning for. Just remember, it might come with a side of debris.

As the approaching storm makes headlines, meteorologists continue to monitor the situation closely. Weather enthusiasts, meanwhile, might want to take notes: Francine appears to be the kind of guest who doesn’t just leave crumbs—a true storm when it comes to the popular social event that is hurricane season. If you've ever wanted to start a standing rivalry with the heavens, now might just be your golden opportunity.

So as Francine makes her way toward the Bayou, those in her path should prepare not just for a storm, but perhaps also for the uninvited gusts of wind, torrential downpours, and casual disruptions that all accompany a not-so-serene tropical rendezvous. With luck, they'll come out on the other side of this tropical escapade with amusing stories and perhaps, if the weather gods permit, a truly spectacular story of surviving the infamous Francine.