Hurricane Francine is heading toward Louisiana, predicted to hit the northern U.S. Gulf coast soon. It intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane thanks to warm Gulf of Mexico waters, and there’s a chance it may reach Category 2 strength. This region is still recovering from previous hurricanes in 2020. Governor Jeff Landry advised residents to make final preparations before the storm hits and to stay indoors to avoid hindering emergency services. The Louisiana National Guard is ready to offer assistance with high-water vehicles, boats, and helicopters.
As of Tuesday evening, Francine was about 295 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, moving northeast. A hurricane warning is in place along the Louisiana coast from Cameron to Grand Isle, with a storm surge warning in effect. New Orleans residents were seen collecting sandbags to protect their homes from potential flooding. Wayne Grant, a local, expressed concern as this would be his first hurricane experience in the city.
The storm may bring life-threatening storm surge, damaging winds, and 4 to 8 inches of rain, with localized amounts up to 12 inches in Louisiana and Mississippi. Flash flooding is a concern for parts of Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. Louisiana’s coastline, still reeling from previous hurricanes, braces for Francine’s impact. Residents like Coy Verdin, who recently rebuilt his home after Hurricane Ida, are preparing for potential damages.
Forecasters anticipate Francine’s storm surge along the Louisiana coast reaching up to 10 feet from Cameron to Port Fourchon and Vermilion Bay. The exact landfall location is expected to be between Sabine Pass and Morgan City. Overall, the region remains on high alert for the impending impact of Hurricane Francine.