Hurricane Francine has intensified into a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 km/h), prompting urgent preparations along the Gulf Coast as it approaches Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts Francine to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon or evening, with the potential to strengthen further before impact.A hurricane warning is now in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron to Grand Isle, including the New Orleans metropolitan area. Storm surge warnings extend from Sabine Pass, Texas, to the Mississippi/Alabama border, with life-threatening inundation of 5 to 10 feet above ground level expected in some areas.’This is a significant storm that will bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region,’ warned the NHC. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency, urging residents to ‘batten down all the hatches’ within a 24-hour window. Multiple parishes have issued mandatory evacuation orders, and local authorities are distributing sandbags and activating shelters.The storm threatens to bring substantial flooding, with rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches expected across the affected region, and up to 12 inches possible in some areas. The combination of heavy rain and storm surge raises concerns about flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and around New Orleans.’Prepare now for power outages that could last for several days after the storm is over in this area,’ advised the National Weather Service. The Louisiana National Guard is on standby with helicopters, vehicles, and ships ready to provide assistance, including 1.1 million liters of water stored for distribution if needed.As Francine approaches, residents are urged to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and complete final preparations immediately. The storm’s impacts are expected to be felt well before landfall, with tropical storm-force winds possibly arriving as early as Wednesday morning.
Key points
- Hurricane Francine has strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane with 75 mph winds, expected to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday.
- A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast, with storm surge warnings extending from Texas to Alabama.
- Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in some coastal communities, with officials urging immediate preparation.
- The storm threatens significant flooding, with rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches expected and storm surge up to 10 feet in some areas.
Contradictions👾Some sources indicate Francine could strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane before landfall, while others suggest it will remain a Category 1.
