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.