Governor Jeff Landry announced the White House has approved the Emergency Declaration for the State of Louisiana covering Hurricane Francine related emergency measures. Landry says he appreciates President Biden’s quick approval of his request.

Hurricane Francine is expected to strengthen to a Category 2 storm before making landfall this evening. The National Hurricane Center’s latest update shows sustained winds of 90 mph and continues its northeastward movement.

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for Cameron Louisiana to the Mississippi Coast. Storm surge is expected to be five to ten feet.

Local leaders in the cities and parishes in the path of the storm say they’re ready. In Morgan City, where Weather Channel reporter Jim Cantore is taking up temporary residence, Mayor Lee Dragna says they’ve been preparing for Francine’s arrival for a while now.

Cut 12 (07) “…everywhere we look.”

The current track of the storm will take the center near St. Tammany Parish. President Mike Cooper is urging people to take any and all precautions.

Cut 15 (12) “…low-lying areas.”

Francine is bringing increasing challenges at the pump, with many gas stations running out of fuel. The rush to prepare for the storm has led to long lines.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Hurricane Francine is expected to strengthen to a Category 2 storm before making landfall this evening. The National Hurricane Center’s latest update shows sustained winds of 95 mph and continues its northeastward movement. In St. Mary Parish, city and parish leaders say they’re ready for Francine’s arrival. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana’s coast from Cameron to Grand Isle remains under a Hurricane warning with life threatening storm surge from five to ten feet and hurricane force winds expected.

In Lafourche Parish, a curfew will be enacted at noon today and end at Sunrise Thursday morning.

Francine strengthened to Hurricane Tuesday evening and throughout the day yesterday, Francine’s path shifted more and more to the east but National Weather Service Meteorologist Hannah Lisney says she does not expect any additional significant shift in the path.

Cut 10 (12) “…at this point.”

In anticipation of Francine’s arrival, Tangipahoa Parish is opening three shelters of last resort locations — in Robert, at Restoration Church, in Amite at Amite Community Center, and in the Village of Tangipahoa at Brown’s Chapel.

Storms like Francine can not only bring out the best in people; unfortunately, it can also bring out the worst in people. That’s the message of Attorney General Liz Murrill, who warns that price gouging is illegal.

Cut 7 (12) “…during the storm.”

Francine is bringing increasing challenges at the pump, with many gas stations running out of fuel. The rush to prepare for the storm has led to long lines.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The attorney general of Louisiana has a stern warning for price gougers. Andrew Greenstein reports

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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City and parish leaders say they’re ready for Francine’s arrival. Jeff Palermo reports…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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As Francine approaches the Louisiana coast, drivers are encountering increasing challenges at the pump, with many gas stations running out of fuel. The rush to prepare for the storm has led to long lines, with residents topping off tanks and filling gas containers for generators in anticipation of power outages.  GasBuddy.com Analyst Patrick De Haan says don’t worry…

Cut 4 (09) “…those gas stations.”

De Haan says when so many drivers are attempting to fill up will cause delays and says if residents don’t need fuel there is no need to worry about filling up.  De Haan reminds residents of the best time to fill up if they don’t want to deal with empty pumps and long gas lines…

Cut 5 (11) “…refuel their tanks overnight.”

Motorists are urged to remain patient and stay informed as the storm moves closer. De Haan says if drivers see empty pumps, supply is on the way…

Cut 6 (05) …with a handle over it.”

De Haan says he expects gas prices to continue to decrease over the new few weeks as well.

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Storms like Francine can not only bring out the best in people; unfortunately, it can also bring out the worst in people. That’s the message of Attorney General Liz Murrill, who warns that price gouging is illegal.

Cut 7 (12) “…during the storm.”

Murrill says if you’ve been a victim of price gouging, the first place you can turn to is to law enforcement, since price gouging is a crime. She says you can also file a complaint on the AG’s website.

Cut 8 (06) “…file that complaint.”

You can also call the consumer hotline at 1-800-351-4889. Murrill has a stern message for price gougers: We will find you, and we will hold you accountable.

Cut 9 (07)  “…enforce the law.”

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Throughout the day yesterday, Francine’s path shifted more and more to the east – so much so that areas in western Louisiana appear to be largely in the clear. National Weather Service Meteorologist Hannah Lisney says she does not expect any additional significant shift in the path.

Cut 10 (12) “…at this point.”

Francine didn’t become a hurricane until 7:00 last night. Throughout the day yesterday, the wind speed held steady at 65 miles an hour. Lisney says credit dry air for that.

Cut 11 (09) “…of the convection.”

Francine is no longer expected to grow to a Category Two storm by the time it makes landfall.

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Local leaders in the cities and parishes in the path of the storm say they’re ready. In Morgan City, where Weather Channel reporter Jim Cantore is taking up temporary residence, Mayor Lee Dragna says they’ve been preparing for Francine’s arrival for a while now.

Cut 12 (07) “…everywhere we look.”

Mayor Dragna says the city has greatly improved equipment needed to drain the city.

Cut 13 (09)  “…pump station now.”

In Terrebonne (TARE-ah-bone) Parish, President Jason Bergeron (BAA-zher-on) says if the storm passes to the east, that would be very good news.

Cut 14 (09) “…top of us.”

The current track of the storm will take the center near St. Tammany Parish. President Mike Cooper is urging people to take any and all precautions.

Cut 15 (12) “…low-lying areas.”

Cooper is also urging people to stay off the roads as not to interfere with rescue and recovery operations.

Cut 16 (12)   “…respond to emergencies.”

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The Saints put up 47 points in their season opening win against Carolina, but they’ll find it more difficult to find the end zone this Sunday when they visit the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Dennis Allen is looking forward to the matchup….

Cut 17 (22) “…for us.”

New Orleans is coming off a 37 point win as they head to Dallas. Allen says it was a great victory, but now they have to focus on the Cowboys…

Cut 18 (14)  “…go to work.”

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Louisiana Tech football coach Sonny Cumbie says Jack Turner will start at quarterback for the Bulldogs this Saturday when they visit North Carolina State. Turner was injured in the first half of the Nicholls State game on August 31st after taking a big hit. Cumbie credits Turner’s strength and conditioning for his quick recovery…

Cut 19 (19) “….Saturday morning” 

North Carolina State went 9-4 last season and they were ranked 24th in the AP poll before losing to Tennessee 51-10 last week. Cumbie says his players are excited to play again after a bye week following the season opener…

Cut 20 (11) “…bye week.”

Throughout the day, Francine’s path shifted more and more to the east – so much so that areas in western Louisiana appear to be largely in the clear. National Weather Service Meteorologist Hannah Lisney says she does not expect any additional significant shift in the path.

Cut 10 (12) “…at this point.”

Francine was expected to become a hurricane this afternoon; but throughout the day the wind speed held steady at 65 miles an hour. Lisney says credit dry air for that.

Cut 11 (09) “…of the convection.”

Francine is still expected to become a hurricane, but it is no longer expected to grow to a Category Two storm by the time it makes landfall by early tomorrow evening.

Resources are getting in place ahead of Francine’s arrival.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana National Guard is getting in place to help with any post-storm needs.

Cut 12 (11) “…search and rescue.”

Major General Thomas Friloux (FREE-low) says they’re also stocked with food, water and shelter. He says forces will shift their locations should the track shift further prior to landfall.

According to the latest from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Francine has maximum sustained winds at 65 MPH and continues its northeast trek at 10 MPH. It is expected to make landfall tomorrow as a category 1 or possibly stronger hurricane. The current track will take the eye of Francine directly over Baton Rouge and will also put more of the New Orleans metro area, including Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, on the bad side of the storm.

Lafourche Parish is bracing for Francine, drawing on lessons learned from Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact. As of 5 PM parts of the parish deemed at high risk are under a mandatory evacuation order. Parish President Archie Chaisson says in response to Ida, 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 flood gates.

State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says most nursing homes are sheltering in place during the storm. One Vermillion Parish home evacuated to a Mansfield facility earlier. Dr. Abraham says the Mega Center in Central Louisiana is getting ready in case it’s needed.

Cut 15 (09) “…has that discretion.”

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.”

General Friloux says they’re also stocked with food, water and shelter

With Francine expected to arrive as a hurricane tomorrow evening, Governor Landry is urging everyone to download the Get A Game Plan app. He says the app will deliver vital information immediately.

Cut 16 (09)   “…here in GOHSEP.”

Landry says resources are in place and that state and local agencies are working seamlessly with federal partners. He has asked President Biden to declare a state of emergency for the state, making further federal resources available.

The Louisiana National Guard is readying to help with post-storm needs including search and rescue. Major General Thomas Friloux (FREE-low) says they are prepared to respond with high water vehicles, boats, and helicopters. They’re also stocked with food, water and shelter

Cut 13 (07) “…over 55-thousand tarps” 

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 prior to landfall.

Entergy has approximately 1600 employees and contractors in Louisiana ready for storm response with almost 3500 more requested including Linemen, tree trimmers, and scouts. They are reminding Louisianans to keep a safe distance from utility crews and work sites also to keep distance from and immediately report downed power lines.

Cleco’s storm restoration plan includes deploying additional line workers, vegetation management teams, and contractors from other regions. Cahill says Cleco is setting up staging areas to house material and supplies, securing housing for out-of-area workers and specialized equipment is on stand-by…

Cut 7 (07) “…after the storm passes.”

State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says most nursing homes are sheltering in place during the storm.

Cut  14 (11) “..went very seamlessly.”

Officials are getting resources in place ahead of Francine’s arrival in Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The current track will take the eye of Francine directly over Baton Rouge and will also put more of the New Orleans metro area, including Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, on the bad side of the storm. The good news for those living in the Capital Region and other points inland is that Francine is expected to rapidly fall apart once it moves over land.

Another change in the forecast is expected storm surge, now forecast to be as high as ten feet, which LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says is very significant.

Cut 5 (09) “…under these circumstances.”

Lafourche Parish is bracing for Francine, drawing on lessons learned from Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact. At 5 PM A mandatory evacuation order goes into effect for parts of the parish deemed at high risk. Parish President Archie Chaisson says Resources such as sandbags and emergency kits are being distributed to those who need them. Law enforcement and first responders are on high alert, ready to assist in evacuations and provide support as conditions worsen.  Shelters at the Lockport Community Center have been set up for evacuees

Cut 10 (07) “…five o’clock today.”

Cleco is preparing for potential widespread power outages as Francine approaches south Louisiana.  Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill encourages Customers to stay informed through Cleco’s website and social media channels for real-time updates and she reminds residents to prepare for extended outages due to the storm’s intensity and the likelihood of significant damage to power infrastructure.

Cut 8 (07)  “…preparations now.”

Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana are also preparing – setting up staging sites for storm response teams.

Francine’s track has shifted, putting more of southeast Louisiana in its crosshairs for a landfall late tomorrow afternoon or tomorrow night. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Resources are getting in place ahead of Francine’s arrival in Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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As of ten this morning, Francine is still a tropical storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles an hour. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it is expected to strengthen into a hurricane today. 

Cut 3 (08) “…Category Two hurricane.”

Keim says the biggest update at ten o’clock is that the path has shifted to the east. 

Cut 4 (13) “…of South Louisiana.”

Another change is in the forecast of the storm surge, which is now forecast to be as high as ten feet, which Keim says is very significant.

Cut 5 (09) “…under these circumstances.”

The current track will take the eye of Francine directly over Baton Rouge and will also put more of the New Orleans metro area, including Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, on the bad side of the storm. The good news for those living in the Capital Region and other points inland is that Francine is expected to rapidly fall apart once it moves over land.

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Cleco is preparing for potential widespread power outages as Francine approaches south Louisiana.  Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says Cleco has ramped up its emergency response efforts to ensure rapid power restoration.

Cut 6 (12) “…vegetation specialist.”

Cleco’s storm restoration plan includes deploying additional line workers, vegetation management teams, and contractors from other regions. Cahill says Cleco is setting up staging areas to house material and supplies, securing housing for out-of-area workers and specialized equipment is on stand-by…

Cut 7 (07) “…after the storm passes.”

Customers are encouraged to stay informed through Cleco’s website and social media channels for real-time updates.  Cahill reminds residents to prepare for extended outages due to the storm’s intensity and the likelihood of significant damage to power infrastructure.

Cut 8 (07)  “…preparations now.”

Cleco warns residents to avoid downed power lines and report any hazardous situations

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Lafourche Parish is bracing for Francine, drawing on lessons learned from Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact. A mandatory evacuation order set to go into effect at 5 p.m. today for parts of the parish deemed at high risk. Parish President Archie Chaisson is urging residents in low-lying areas and near flood-prone zones to heed the evacuation orders and prepare for significant storm impacts.

Cut 9 (12)  “…or two there.”

Resources such as sandbags and emergency kits are being distributed to those who need them. Law enforcement and first responders are on high alert, ready to assist in evacuations and provide support as conditions worsen.  Shelters at the Lockport Community Center have been set up for evacuees

Cut 10 (07) “…five o’clock today.”

In response to Ida, 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 flood gates.

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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.”

General Friloux says they’re also stocked with food, water and shelter

Cut 13 (07) “…over 55-thousand tarps” 

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 prior to landfall.

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State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says most nursing homes are sheltering in place during the storm.

Cut  14 (11) “..went very seamlessly.”

Dr. Abraham says the Mega Center in Central Louisiana is getting ready in case it’s needed.

Cut 15 (09) “…has that discretion.”

There are several shelters already open, including three in Vermillion Parish.

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With Francine expected to arrive tomorrow evening, Governor Landry is urging everyone to download the Get A Game Plan app. He says the app will deliver vital information immediately.

Cut 16 (09)   “…here in GOHSEP.”

Landry says resources are in place and that state and local agencies are working seamlessly with federal partners. He has asked President Biden to declare a state of emergency for the state, making further federal resources available.

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.

Cut 21 (13) “…your insurance company.”