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

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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.

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.

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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

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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.

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