So far Francine is expected to strengthen to a hurricane this afternoon and is currently about 380 southwest of Morgan City. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the biggest update at ten o’clock is that the path has shifted to the east.
Cut 4 (13) “…of South Louisiana.”
Francine is now expected to make landfall closer to New Orleans and the bayou parishes, with St. Mary Parish now in the crosshairs of Francine’s path
Lafourche Parish is bracing for Francine, drawing on lessons learned from Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact. In response to Ida, Parish President Archie Chaisson says the parish has improved its emergency response plans, strengthened communication channels, and enhanced coordination with state and federal agencies as well as water and power…
Cut 11 (08) “…hoping for the best.”
The parish is anticipating anywhere from 5 to 10 feet of storm surge, and it plans to close the floodgates.
The Louisiana National Guard is getting in place to help with any post-storm needs. Major General Thomas Friloux (FREE-low):
Cut 12 (11) “…search and rescue.”
Friloux says forces are placed in areas where they will likely be needed the most and will shift their locations should the track shift further before landfall.
Governor Landry is urging people in the coastal parishes not to panic, but rather to be prepared. This, as Francine is aiming for the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging people to be insurance ready.