Newslooks/ MORGAN CITY, La./ Hurricane Francine is approaching the Louisiana coast, bringing the threat of deadly storm surges, flooding, and high winds. Expected to make landfall soon, the storm has intensified to a Category 1 hurricane. Both Louisiana and Mississippi have declared states of emergency, with National Guard deployments in place for rescue efforts. Residents are making final preparations, while officials urge them to stay off the roads once the storm hits. The storm could bring up to 12 inches of rain, posing a significant flood risk to the Gulf Coast and surrounding areas.
Key Details:
- Hurricane Francine’s Status: As of Wednesday morning, Francine was located 195 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, moving northeast with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph. It may strengthen before weakening after making landfall.
- Threats: Life-threatening storm surges, destructive winds, and widespread flooding are expected across the northern Gulf Coast.
- Emergency Preparations: Both Louisiana and Mississippi have declared states of emergency. The National Guard has been mobilized, with resources like high-water vehicles and helicopters prepared for rescue missions.
- Impact Areas: The hardest-hit regions could see storm surges as high as 10 feet along the coast, with up to 12 inches of rainfall in some areas.
Francine Approaches Louisiana with Threat of Storm Surge, Flooding
As Hurricane Francine heads toward Louisiana, residents are making final preparations, bracing for potentially deadly storm surges, flooding, and strong winds. Expected to make landfall soon, Francine has already intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with forecasts suggesting it could strengthen further. Louisiana, still recovering from previous hurricanes, now faces another significant threat as officials urge people to stay prepared and seek safety.
In Morgan City, businesses have boarded up, and residents like retired boat captain Pat Simon are evacuating in preparation for the storm. “I don’t think it’s going to be that bad, like some of the other ones,” Simon remarked, recalling past hurricanes like Ida and Katrina.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has warned residents to stay in place once the storm hits and avoid venturing out into dangerous conditions, emphasizing the need to allow first responders and utility crews to work. Mississippi is also preparing, distributing over 100,000 sandbags and closing schools in affected areas.
Emergency Response:
- Rescue Operations: Nearly 400 high-water vehicles, 100 boats, and 50 helicopters are ready for emergency search-and-rescue operations.
- School Closures: Several schools in southern Mississippi will be closed due to the storm.
Francine is expected to bring up to 12 inches of rain, posing a risk for flash flooding throughout Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. This storm arrives as the region is still dealing with the aftermath of previous hurricanes like Laura and Delta in 2020, and Ida in 2021.
Long-term Impact: The storm is expected to weaken after landfall but could still bring significant flooding into the lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys later in the week.
Residents across the region are heeding warnings, sandbagging properties, and preparing for another hurricane in a season that has already brought much uncertainty.
