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.

We just got an update within the last hour from the National Hurricane Center on what is still Tropical Storm Francine, and the big update here is that the path has shifted to the east. It is still maximum sustained winds of 65 miles an hour – no change from the seven a-m advisory – and it is still expected to become a hurricane. But now, the storm is on track to make landfall in St. Mary Parish and not Vermillion Parish. That also currently puts Baton Rouge directly in the line of the eye of the storm. At this point, we don’t know whether Francine will make landfall as a Category One hurricane or a Category Two hurricane, and we don’t know what the strength will be by the time it hits Baton Rouge, barring any further shift in the track.

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging you to prepare your property now.

Cut 6 (12) …damage your neighbors’.”

Entergy Louisiana is preparing for widespread power outages.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

In addition to storm coverage, all eyes will be glued to the TV tonight for the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump. Louisiana-based political analyst Ron Faucheux (foe-SHAY) says with the race being a dead heat, this debate could make it or break it for either candidate.

Cut 14 (09) “…this election’s going.”

We’re continuing to keep a close eye on Tropical Storm Francine. We’re awaiting an update from the National Hurricane Center at any moment. For now, Francine is a tropical storm packing maximum sustained winds of 65 miles an hour. It is expected to strengthen as it approaches the Louisiana Coast. Landfall is expected sometime tomorrow evening – we just don’t know at this time whether it will be as a Category One storm or a Category Two storm.

According to the current path, the eye of Francine is slated to pass through Lafayette. Mayor-President Monique Boulet has declared a state of emergency and is urging people in low-lying areas to evacuate.

Cut 10 (18) “…you do evacuate.”

As people here in Louisiana are keeping an eye on what is expected to be Hurricane Francine, they’ll also have their eyes glued tonight to the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Some 66 new jobs will be coming in Ouachita Parish as Mid South Extrusion announces a 17-million-dollar investment at its facility there. The flexible film and bag manufacturer is installing two new state-of-the-art blown film extrusion lines to support growing demand from customers. The investment also means 189 current positions will be retained.

With Francine taking aim at the Louisiana Gulf Coast, Governor Landry has a message for residents. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Hurricane Francine is heading towards the southern coast and Entergy Louisiana is preparing for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread power outages in the region.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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As people here in Louisiana are keeping an eye on what is expected to be Hurricane Francine, they’ll also have their eyes glued tonight to the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump. Colleen Crain reports

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Craim.”

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Governor Landry is urging people in the coastal parishes not to panic, but rather to be prepared. This, as Francine is taking aim on the Louisiana Gulf Coast. Landry is urging people in the affected areas to start preparing now and to listen to their local officials.

Cut 4 (12) “…extreme storm surges.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging people to be insurance ready.

Cut 5 (13) “…your insurance company.”

Temple is also urging people to prepare their properties for Francine’s arrival.

Cut 6 (12) …damage your neighbors’.”

Landry and Temple are urging you to visit GetAGamePlan-dot-org for information on preparing yourself and your property for Francine’s arrival.

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One of the major impacts from Francine is a potential storm surge of up to 10 feet  from Cameron to St. Mary Parish. Vermillion Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Homer Stelly says a voluntary evacuation is in place for low-lying residents…

Cut 7 (06) “…south of Highway 14.”

Stelly urges people to prepare now and have enough food, water, and medicine ready and on hand, and to make sure they have a plan in case of a prolonged power outage or if they need to evacuate…

Cut 8 (04) “…improve it.”

The parish is expected to receive winds anywhere from 65 to 85 miles per hour, plus six to eight inches of rain.

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Lafayette is in the middle of Francine’s current path; and as such, Mayor-President Monique Boulet (boo-LAY) has declared a state of emergency. Boulet is urging people to start preparing now.

Cut 9 (11)  “…tank of gas.”

Also to ensure you have all your medications and important documents, secure loose items around your property and to clear home drains of leaves and debris. Mayor-President Boulet is urging people in low-lying areas to evacuate.

Cut 10 (18) “…you do evacuate.”

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Entergy Louisiana is gearing up for the possible impact of Hurricane Francine, which could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread power outages to the region. Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (berg) says Entergy is closely monitoring the storm’s path and preparing its crews and resources to respond quickly to any damage caused by the hurricane.

Cut 11 (09) “…bring our way.

This preparation includes staging equipment, coordinating with local agencies, and ensuring that restoration efforts can begin as soon as conditions are safe.

Cut 12 (10) “…as safely as possible.”

Bourg is urging customers to prepare for the storm by updating their contact information with Entergy so they can be updated on the status of power restoration.  Bourg suggests going to Entergy-dot-com and signing up for text notifications…

Cut 13 (10)  “…stay wide open.”

Cleco Power has also added personnel as well as 17-hundred additional contractor resources in preparation for Francine.

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As the Louisiana Gulf Coast braces for the arrival of what is expected to be Hurricane Francine, all eyes will be glued to the TV for the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump. Louisiana-based political analyst Ron Faucheux (foe-SHAY) says with the race being a dead heat, this debate could make it or break it for either candidate.

Cut 14 (09) “…this election’s going.”

Faucheux says one thing that Harris can do to score points is to use humor against Trump.

Cut 15 (12) “…effectively against him (2x).”

As for Trump’s key to victory, Faucheux says it’s important that he stay on message.

Cut 16 (13)   “…to get out.”

The debate will take place in Philadelphia and gets underway at eight p-m Central time. This is currently the only debate planned between the two presidential candidates. The candidates for vice president, J.D. Vance and Tim Walz, will square off on October 1st in New York City.

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LSU is having trouble getting its run game going, but Coach Brian Kelly is not concerned. The Tigers only rushed for 68 yards on 21 carries against Nicholls. Kelly says the Colonels forced the Tigers to throw the ball more, because the number of defenders they had close to the line of scrimmage…

Cut 17 (18) “…right now.”

It was a nice debut for former Lafayette Christian star on Saturday. Freshman Ju’Juan Johnson was moved from safety to running back for last week’s game because of the injury to John Emery. Johnson had three catches and one went for a touchdown. Kelly says he wants to see more….

Cut 18 (16)  “…where it goes.”

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins had just three tackles last Saturday and Pro Football Focus gave Perkins the lowest grade of any LSU player who competed in 19 or more snaps. It raises the question again, is Perkins being used correctly as an inside linebacker. Kelly says they will continue to evaluate…

Cut 19 (19) “….the most” 

Francine is now forecast to make landfall along the Louisiana Coast as a Category Two hurricane. Governor Landry is urging people not to panic, but to be prepared. At a news conference, Landry is urging people in the coastal parishes to start preparing now and to listen to their local officials.

Cut 4 (12) “…extreme storm surges.”

Lafayette is in the middle of Francine’s current path; and as such, Mayor-President Monique Boulet has declared a state of emergency. Boulet is urging people to start preparing now.

Cut 9 (11)  “…tank of gas.”

Boulet, along with other officials in the coastal parishes, are urging people to make plans to evacuate.

One of the major impacts from Francine is a potential storm surge of up to 10 feet  from Cameron to St. Mary Parish. Vermillion Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Homer Stelly says a voluntary evacuation is in place for low-lying residents…

Cut 7 (06) “…south of Highway 14.”

The parish is expected to receive winds anywhere from 65 to 85 miles per hour, plus six to eight inches of rain.

As the Louisiana Gulf Coast braces for Francine’s arrival, all eyes will be glued to the TV tomorrow night for the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump. Louisiana-based political analyst Ron Faucheux (foe-SHAY) says with the race being a dead heat, this debate could make it or break it for either candidate.

Cut 14 (09) “…this election’s going.”

The debate will take place in Philadelphia and gets underway at eight p-m Central time.

Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico and is eying a Louisiana landfall by Wednesday night.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU’s big run stuffer in the middle of its defensive line is out for the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting that happened in Lafayette on Saturday morning.  The incident claimed the life of 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez of Lafayette.  Trooper Peggy Bourque says  a Lafayette Police officer was investigating a burglary complaint and located the suspect’s vehicle. Bourque says Sanchez was in that vehicle…

Cut 3 (04) “…towards an officer.”

During the encounter the officer discharged their service weapon, striking Sanchez.  Bourque says Sanchez suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, and the officer suffered minor injuries…

Cut 4 (10) “…processing the scene.”

This is an active investigation; further information will be released when it becomes available.  Bourque is asking anyone with information to share that with L-S-P Detectives and can anonymously report information to the Louisiana State Police online reporting system…

Cut 5 (10) “…1-800-434-8007.”

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A new survey from Bankrate reveals that one out of every four homeowners feel that they’re not financially prepared for a major storm. Analyst Shannon Martin says many homeowners aren’t doing anything to prepare for the financial costs of severe weather.

Cut 6 (12) “…many homeowners did.”

Martin says while in the minority, homeowners in the South are more on top of what their homeowners insurance policy dictates compared to those across the country.

Cut 7 (09) “…to 42-percent.”

Martin says not surprisingly, those with higher salaries are less likely to go into debt when paying their portion of weather-related damage.

Cut 8 (10)  “…make over 80-thousand.”

Furthermore, only ten-percent of homeowners in the South say they invested in weatherproofing strategies over the last five years.

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Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico and is eying a Louisiana landfall. National Weather Service Meteorologist Montra Lockwood says Francine is expected to intensify into a Category I hurricane by Tuesday night…

Cut 9 (05)  “…by Wednesday night.”

A Storm Surge watch has been posted for Cameron, Vermilion, St, Mary and St. Martin parishes as a ten foot storm surge is possible. Francine is also expected to produce several inches of rain across the southern half of the state and into northeast Louisiana

Cut 10 (05) “…12 inches as well.”

Lockwood says Francine will pick up speed on Tuesday night and should push through Louisiana quickly…

Cut 11 (06) “…early Thursday.”

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People living along low-lying areas of the Louisiana Gulf Coast are starting to make plans to potentially evacuate to higher ground. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Cameron. In Grand Isle, Louisiana’s last inhabited island, Mayor David Carmadelle is urging his residents to get out.

Cut 12 (09) “…the RVs out.”

Mayor Carmadelle says he expects the voluntary evacuation for residents to become a mandatory evacuation tomorrow.

Cut 13 (08) “…to get out” 

Carmadelle says his main concern is not the wind speed, but rather the storm surge.

Cut  14 (09) “..with high tides.”

Carmadelle says in recent years, building codes have strengthened so that most buildings can withstand a Category One hurricane like the one that’s expected to make landfall Wednesday evening.

We’re continuing to keep a close eye on Tropical Storm Francine. The National Hurricane Center has just issued its intermediate advisory. Francine has strengthened since ten this morning; it is now packing maximum sustained winds of 60 miles an hour. According to the current track, the storm is still slated to make landfall somewhere in Vermillion Parish at around seven Wednesday evening. National Weather Service meteorologist Montra Lockwood says Francine should push through Louisiana quickly…

Cut 11 (06) “…early Thursday.”

Evacuations have started to be ordered. Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle says a voluntary evacuation is now in effect with a mandatory evacuation for boats and mobile homes. Camardelle says he expects the voluntary evacuation to be escalated to a mandatory evacuation sometime tomorrow.

A hurricane watch is in effect for most of the entire Louisiana Gulf Coast.

How confident are we when it comes to the financial ramifications of severe weather? According to a new survey from Bankrate, not very. One out of every four homeowners feel that they’re nor prepared. Analyst Shannon Martin says homeowners in the South are more on top of what their homeowners insurance policy dictates compared to those across the country.

Cut 7 (09) “…to 42-percent.”

Not surprisingly, those who earn lower salaries are more likely to go into debt in paying for storm costs than their wealthier counterparts.

Louisiana State Police is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in Lafayette Saturday morning. Troopers say a Lafayette Police officer was investigating a burglary complaint and located the suspect’s vehicle. And as that suspect, 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez of Lafayette, was backing up, the officer fatally shot him. The officer suffered minor injuries.

Tropical Storm Francine has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is eying a Louisiana landfall. National Weather Service Meteorologist Montra Lockwood says Francine is expected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by tomorrow night…

Cut 9 (05)  “…by Wednesday night.”

As of ten this morning, Francine was located about 480 miles south-southwest of Cameron, packing maximum sustained winds of close to 50 miles an hour.

A new survey from Bankrate reveals that one out of every four homeowners feel that they’re not financially prepared for a major storm. Analyst Shannon Martin says many homeowners aren’t doing anything to prepare for the financial costs of severe weather. 

Cut 6 (12) “…many homeowners did.”

Furthermore, only ten-percent of homeowners in the South say they invested in weatherproofing strategies over the last five years.

Louisiana State Police is investigating a deadly officer-involved shooting in Lafayette Saturday morning.  Trooper Peggy Bourque says a police officer was investigating a burglary and located the suspect’s vehicle. Bourque says 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez was in that vehicle and backed up towards the officer. The officer shot Sanchez, killing him.

Cut 4 (10) “…processing the scene.”

The officer suffered minor injuries. Bourque is asking anyone with information to share that with L-S-P Detectives and can anonymously report information to the Louisiana State Police online reporting system

We’re keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Francine. The National Hurricane Center upgraded the storm at ten this morning. According to the current track, Francine is slated to make landfall somewhere between Vermillion and St. Mary parishes as a Category One hurricane at around seven Wednesday evening. Right now, Francine is located about 480 miles south-southwest of Cameron, packing maximum sustained winds of close to 50 miles an hour. A tropical storm watch is in effect for nearly the entire Louisiana gulf coast.

State Police Detectives continue the investigation into Saturday’s deadly officer-involved shooting in Lafayette in which the suspect was killed. Trooper Peggy Bourque says a Lafayette Police officer was investigating a burglary complaint and located the suspect’s vehicle.

Cut 3 (04) “…towards an officer.”

During the encounter, the officer shot 27-year-old Rigoberto Sanchez, killing him. The officer suffered minor injuries.

Following the deadly school shooting in Georgia, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is reminding you of an app that it’s partnered on with Safe Schools Louisiana. Under state law, students are not allowed to have cell phones in their classrooms. Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans CEO Darlene Cusanza (kuh-SANS-ah) says that has not been a barrier.

Cut 6 (11) …after school hours.”

The program has been up and running in greater New Orleans since 2004; and in 2020, it expanded statewide.

Louisiana entered the national spotlight with the nationwide premiere of “Reagan.” Dave Roberts, the owner of Baton Rouge-based Alluwee Productions, says he set out to tell the story about President Ronald Reagan without making it overly political.

Cut 7 (10) “…with Nancy Reagan.”

So far, the film has grossed more than 18.5-million dollars.

The disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico is now officially Tropical Storm Francine. The National Hurricane Center says on its current path, Francine is slated to make landfall between Vermillion and St. Mary parishes at around seven Wednesday evening as a Category One hurricane. Meteorologist Joe Rua with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says there’s enough time and the sea surface temperatures are warm enough for this storm to strengthen to that level.

Cut 15 (10) “…talking about.”

A hurricane watch is now in effect for nearly the entire Louisiana Gulf Coast.

The State of Louisiana is awarded a 70-million dollar grant to help students become stronger readers. The money will be used to serve schools which are either chronically failing, have a high teacher turnover, have a growing number of English learners or to high schools with low graduation rates, among other potential criteria.

The Louisiana Department of Education is expanding its tutoring program through the Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

In light of the deadly school shooting in Georgia, Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is reminding you of an anonymous reporting tool it’s partnered on with Safe Schools Louisiana. Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans CEO Darlene Cusanza (kuh-SANS-ah) says there are many ways that students can report safety concerns.

Cut 4 (07) “…is our website.”