As Hurricane Francine continues making its way inland, it continues to weaken. It came ashore in Terrebonne Parish late this afternoon packing maximum sustained winds of close to 100 miles an hour. Those winds are now down to 85 miles an hour, and it’s expected to continue to weaken. As of seven this evening, the eye of the storm was located about 20 miles east-southeast of Morgan City and about 55 miles west-southwest of New Orleans. It’s continuing to move northeast at 17 miles an hour, as it has been for the last several hours.

Power outages continue to increase – I’m now seeing that more than 134-thousand people have lost power. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says they have more than quadrupled their normal manpower to get power back up and running as quickly as possible.

Cut 22 (10) “…it’s morning light.”

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes have nearly 50-thousand people combined without power.

The Louisiana National Guard is mobilized, ready to support rescue and recovery operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine. Colonel Jennifer Mumme (“mummy”) says they’re ready to help.

Cut 14 (12) “…and other operations.”

The guard also provides logistical support with tarps, water and meals ready to eat.

With electrical and rescue crews fanned across the affected areas, DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue is urging you to please stay off the roads.

Cut 24 (12) “…keep safety first.”

And if you have damage to your property, the first thing you should do, once it’s safe to do so, is to take pictures and document the damage to make the insurance process go more smoothly.

The eye of Hurricane Francine is now inland. It made landfall late this afternoon in Terrebonne Parish as a Category Two hurricane. Fortunately, Francine has started to weaken. Maximum sustained winds are now down to 90 miles an hour, downgrading it to a Category One storm. It’s still maintaining that northeasterly track at 17 miles an hour, so the storm should pass through the state very quickly.

The power outages are soaring – more than 81-thousand people are now without power. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says his crews are ready to get the lights back on as soon as possible.

Cut 23 (14) “…this storm on.”

Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes have almost 20-thousand people in the dark each.

If you’re using a portable generator, keep it outdoors, away from windows and doors, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.

Governor Landry can’t stress enough – please stay off the roads.

Cut 21 (10) “…your daily lives.”

Many homes will sustain significant structural damage from the storm. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple says the first thing those homeowners should do…

Cut 10 (09) “…inspect for damage.”

Temple also reminds homeowners to gather essential information like photographs of damage and receipts for emergency repairs, which can expedite claim approval process.

Tangipahoa (TAN-jee-pa-HOE-ah) Parish is preparing for Francine by learning lessons from past storms like Hurricane Ida. Parish President Robbie Miller says Entergy has invested millions making the infrastructure more robust…

Cut 15 (07) “…able to handle it.”

Hurricane Francine has officially made landfall in Terrebonne Parish as a Category Two hurricane, packing maximum sustained winds of close to 100 miles an hour. It is moving exactly northeast at 17 miles an hour. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jackerman says this should be the peak of the storm.

Cut 28 (13) “…the storm weakens.”

GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says many trees were weakened by last year’s drought and it could lead to more trees and limbs falling on power lines…

Cut 3 (12) “…or whatever.”

Officials are urging you to stay off the roads to allow emergency crews to do their work.

Now that Francine has made landfall, we’re starting to see more and more power outages. Statewide, I’m seeing that almost 40-thousand people are without power. Not all of them from the hurricane, but the bulk of the power outages are concentrated in the coastal parishes of southeastern Louisiana. Almost ten-thousand in St. Mary Parish and more than seven-thousand in Terrebonne Parish, where Francine made landfall.

St. John the Baptist Parish is in the path of the storm. It’s 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.”

Hotard says with the storm expected to move through the state quickly, she’s confident that issues will be limited to localized street flooding. St. John the Baptist Parish is bordered by lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas.

Francine is now a Category Two hurricane. We just got the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. It says Francine is now packing maximum sustained winds of 100 miles an hour. It has moved to within 40 miles south-southwest of Morgan City and is moving northeast at around 17 miles an hour. That means we’re expecting the storm to make landfall within the next hour or two.

State Climatologist Jay Grimes says while this is shaping up to be a severe storm, the worst will be over by the end of the day today.

Cut 11 (14) “…system as well.”

Governor Landry and GOHSEP say if you have not evacuated by now, it’s too late. The best thing you can do is to hunker down, ride out the storm and stay off the roads.

As far as power outages go, almost 24-hundred customers in St. Mary Parish are in the dark. And for those and others who lose power, it could be out for quite a while.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tangipahoa (TAN-jee-pa-HOE-ah) Parish President Robbie Miller says there is a strong emphasis on ensuring power and water services remain operational, with backup systems in place for medical facilities. Miller says Entergy has invested millions making the infrastructure more robust…

Cut 15 (07) “…able to handle it.”

We’re not too far from hurricane force winds coming ashore. The eye of Hurricane Francine is now 60 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, moving to the northeast at 17 miles an hour. Maximum sustained winds remain at 90 miles an hour, making it a strong Category One hurricane. And now, I’m starting to see reports of power outages. Within the hour, St. Mary Parish is reporting almost 18-hundred customers without power. In Assumption Parish, that number is just over 13-hundred.

GOHSEP Spokesman Mike Steele says many trees were weakened by last year’s drought and it could lead to more trees and limbs falling on power lines…

Cut 3 (12) “…or whatever.”

GOHSEP says the time to evacuate has passed; so if you’re in the path of the storm, the best thing for you to do right now is to hunker down and ride out the storm.

Hurricane Francine may be bearing down on southeast Louisiana as a strong Category one storm. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

St. John the Baptist Parish has seen its fair share of damage from previous hurricanes. Parish president Jaclyn Hotard says she’s encouraged by Francine’s forecast, which shows the storm moving quickly through the River Parishes.

Cut 13 (08) “…the way” 

Some areas of the Louisiana Coast are starting to feel the effects of Hurricane Francine. As of one this afternoon, Francine was located 95 miles southwest of Morgan City, packing maximum sustained winds of 90 miles an hour. It’s now moving northeast at 17 miles an hour. Tropical storm force winds extend 115 miles from the eye, so locations within the path are starting to get those high winds.

A tornado watch is in effect for many Southeast Louisiana parishes, including those in the New Orleans area. A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form. A tornado WARNING, on the other hand, means a tornado is present. The watch is in effect until 11 tonight.

Governor Landry is urging you to stay off the roads, 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.

Cut 10 (06) “…and stay put.”

Hurricane Francine may be bearing down on southeast Louisiana as a strong Category one storm. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tangipahoa (TAN-jee-pa-HOE-ah) Parish is preparing for Francine by learning lessons from past storms like Hurricane Ida. Parish President Robbie Miller says that Ida was a storm that changed how the parish prepares…

Cut  14 (05) “..time to recover.”

Shelter locations for Tangipahoa are Restoration Church, Amite (AY-meet) Community Center, and Brown’s Chapel.

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.