Tropical Storm Francine was gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico and was projected to become a hurricane before making landfall in Louisiana. A storm surge warning was issued for an area from east of Houston to the mouth of the Mississippi River, indicating a potential risk of life-threatening flooding. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged residents to be prepared and take evacuation warnings seriously. Forecasters predicted that Francine would hit the Louisiana coast as a Category 2 hurricane with winds between 96 to 110 mph.
The storm was on track to land in an area that has still been recovering from previous hurricanes, including Laura, Delta, and Ida. The destruction caused by these past hurricanes left many communities vulnerable to potential flooding and wind damage from Francine. In preparation for the storm, a 22-story building in Lake Charles, a city heavily impacted by past hurricanes, was imploded over the weekend. The storm surge from Francine was expected to reach up to 10 feet across parts of the Louisiana coast, posing a significant threat of dangerous flooding and high winds.
Emergency officials in Louisiana advised residents to begin preparations immediately due to the fast-changing nature of storms in the Gulf of Mexico. Individuals in Baton Rouge formed long lines to fill up on gas, stock up on supplies, and receive sandbags to protect their homes. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for several coastal communities, including Grand Isle and Holly Beach, which have faced devastating impacts from previous hurricanes. In anticipation of flooding, power outages, and high winds, residents were urged to take precautions and be ready to shelter in place.
In anticipation of the storm, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell advised residents to finalize their storm plans and prepare for potential impacts. The city was expecting heavy rain, gusty winds, and isolated tornado activity, with the most intense weather forecasted to hit on Wednesday and Thursday. As Francine continued to gain strength and move closer to the Texas and Louisiana coastlines, officials monitored its progress and advised residents to stay vigilant. In Mexico, areas across the border from Brownsville, Texas, experienced flooding due to heavy rain, prompting schools to close and emergency services to respond.
With Francine projected to make landfall as a hurricane in Louisiana, communities along the coast prepared for potential life-threatening impacts from flooding and high winds. Residents were urged to evacuate if necessary, stock up on supplies, and make necessary preparations in advance of the storm. Cities like Baton Rouge and New Orleans made efforts to support residents in their storm readiness while emergency officials closely monitored the storm’s progress. As Francine moved towards the coast, the threat of severe weather and dangerous conditions loomed, prompting urgent warnings and calls for residents to take the storm seriously.
