Louisiana residents prepared for the landfall of Hurricane Francine, which had strengthened to a Category 1 storm with winds of 90 mph. The storm was expected to hit the central Louisiana coast on Wednesday, bringing with it damaging winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge of up to 10 feet. The National Weather Service warned of coastal flooding, high winds, and the potential for tornadoes.
President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Louisiana to support response and relief efforts. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations were in place in many parishes, and shelters were opened for those needing to evacuate. Oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico ceased as companies evacuated staff from platforms.
Governor Jeff Landry urged residents to have a plan, listen to local officials, and stay informed to minimize the storm’s impact. Schools were closed, sandbags were distributed, and parts of Texas and Louisiana faced mandatory evacuations.
Francine could become the third hurricane this year to make landfall on the Gulf Coast. Louisiana has experienced several tropical storms and hurricanes in recent years, including major storms like Laura and Ida. The storm is the fourth hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season. Residents were urged to stay informed and prepared for the potential impacts of the storm, which was expected to bring heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds to the region.
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