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.
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Resources are getting in place ahead of Francine’s arrival in Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.
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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.
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Keim says the biggest update at ten o’clock is that the path has shifted to the east.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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.
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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.
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
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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…
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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):
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General Friloux says they’re also stocked with food, water and shelter
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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.
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Dr. Abraham says the Mega Center in Central Louisiana is getting ready in case it’s needed.
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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.
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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.