Tropical-storm force winds are now coming onto the Louisiana coast. We just got the latest intermediate update from the National Hurricane Center on Hurricane Francine. The eye of the storm has moved to within 95 miles of Morgan City, moving northeast at around 16 miles an hour. Maximum sustained winds are still 90 miles an hour – no change from the ten o’clock update. Those of you near the path – the Hurricane Center says hurricane force winds extend up to 40 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend up to 115 miles outward.

GOHSEP Director Jacques Thibodaux says if you have not evacuated by now, don’t bother.

Cut 9 (12)  “…response to a hurricane.”

Governor Landry echoes those sentiments, not only to keep yourself safe, but also to allow emergency workers room to do their rescue and recovery work during and after the storm.

Hurricane Francine could leave some people without power for days.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

St. John the Baptist Parish has seen its fair share of damage from previous hurricanes. Parish president Jaclyn Hotard says her biggest concern with Francine is flooding…

Cut 12 (09) “…heavy rainfall.”

St. John the Baptist Parish is bordered by lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.

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.

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.