Hurricane Francine Barrels Toward Louisiana, Bringing Threats of Storm Surge, Flooding, and Destructive Winds
Hurricane Francine Intensifies to Category 1, Expected to Make Landfall in Coming Hours
Hurricane Francine barreled early Wednesday toward Louisiana and is expected to make landfall in coming hours, bringing with it threats of potentially deadly storm surge, widespread flooding, and destructive winds on the northern U.S. Gulf coast. The National Hurricane Center said Francine might even reach Category 2 strength with winds of 96 to 110 mph (155 to 175 kph) before crashing into a fragile coastal region that still hasn’t fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes since 2020.
Louisiana Governor Warns Citizens to Act Fast
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry warned at midday Tuesday, when Francine was still a tropical storm, that residents around south Louisiana and in the heavily populated state capital of Baton Rouge and nearby New Orleans should "batten down all the hatches" and finish last preparations before a 24-hour window to do so closed. Once Francine makes landfall, Landry said, residents should stay in place rather than venture out into waterlogged roads and risk blocking first responders or utility crews working to repair power lines.
Governor Deploys National Guard
The Louisiana National Guard is being deployed to parishes that could be impacted by Francine. They are equipped with food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats, and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including possible search-and-rescue operations.
Francine’s Track and Timing
Francine was centered Wednesday morning about 245 miles (395 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, and was moving northeast at 10 mph (17 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph (150 kmh), the Miami-based hurricane center said. Some additional strengthening is expected Wednesday morning and then Francine is expected to weaken quickly after it moves inland.
Storm Warnings and Preparations
A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast from Cameron to Grand Isle, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of New Orleans, according to the center. A storm surge warning stretched from the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border. In downtown New Orleans, cars and trucks were lined up for blocks on Tuesday to collect sandbags from the parking lot of a local YMCA.
Resident Preparations
One resident picking up sandbags was Wayne Grant, 33, who moved to New Orleans last year and was nervous for his first potential hurricane in the city. The low-lying rental apartment he shares with his partner had already flooded out in a storm the year before and he was not taking any chances this time around. "It was like a kick in the face, we’ve been trying to stay up on the weather ever since," Grant said. "We’re super invested in the place, even though it’s not ours."
The Aftermath
There’s a danger of life-threatening storm surge as well as damaging hurricane-force winds, said Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center. There’s also the potential for 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain with the possibility of 12 inches (30 centimeters) locally across much of Louisiana and Mississippi through Friday morning.
Conclusion
Francine is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. The storm is expected to make landfall in coming hours, bringing with it threats of storm surge, flooding, and destructive winds. Residents should take immediate action to prepare and stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current status of Hurricane Francine?
A: Hurricane Francine is currently a Category 1 hurricane, expected to make landfall in coming hours, bringing with it threats of storm surge, flooding, and destructive winds.
Q: How strong is Hurricane Francine?
A: Francine’s maximum sustained winds are 90 mph (150 kmh), with the potential to reach Category 2 strength with winds of 96 to 110 mph (155 to 175 kph) before making landfall.
Q: What is the National Guard’s role in responding to the storm?
A: The Louisiana National Guard is being deployed to parishes that could be impacted by Francine, equipped with food, water, high-water vehicles, boats, and helicopters to respond to the storm, including possible search-and-rescue operations.
Q: What is the expected impact of the storm surge?
A: The storm surge could reach as much as 10 feet (3 meters) from Cameron to Port Fourchon and into Vermilion Bay, forecasters said.
