According to the latest from the National Hurricane Center, Tropical Storm Francine has maximum sustained winds at 65 MPH and continues its northeast trek at 10 MPH. It is expected to make landfall tomorrow as a category 1 or possibly stronger hurricane. 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.

Lafourche Parish is bracing for Francine, drawing on lessons learned from Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact. As of 5 PM parts of the parish deemed at high risk are under a mandatory evacuation order. Parish President Archie Chaisson says in response to Ida, 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.

State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says most nursing homes are sheltering in place during the storm. One Vermillion Parish home evacuated to a Mansfield facility earlier. Dr. Abraham says the Mega Center in Central Louisiana is getting ready in case it’s needed.

Cut 15 (09) “…has that discretion.”

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

With Francine expected to arrive as a hurricane 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.

The Louisiana National Guard is readying to help with post-storm needs including search and rescue. Major General Thomas Friloux (FREE-low) says they are prepared to respond with high water vehicles, boats, and helicopters. 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.

Entergy has approximately 1600 employees and contractors in Louisiana ready for storm response with almost 3500 more requested including Linemen, tree trimmers, and scouts. They are reminding Louisianans to keep a safe distance from utility crews and work sites also to keep distance from and immediately report downed power lines.

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.”

State Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham says most nursing homes are sheltering in place during the storm.

Cut  14 (11) “..went very seamlessly.”

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

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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.

Cut 5 (09) “…under these circumstances.”

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

Cut 10 (07) “…five o’clock today.”

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.

Cut 8 (07)  “…preparations now.”

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

The latest National Hurricane Center now predicts Francine will make landfall sometime Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane. Widespread power outages are expected. Entergy Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (berg) …

Cut 11 (09) “…bring our way.

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.

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

Cut  14 (09) “..with high tides.”

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.”

In Lafayette, 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.”

As Tropical Storm Francine intensifies, 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 expected strengthen to a Category I hurricane before landfall and produce several inches of rain across the southern half of the state and into northeast Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist, Montra Lockwood…

Cut 10 (05) “…12 inches as well.”

Mandatory evacuations have been ordered in Cameron. In Grand Isle, RVs and Trailers are under mandatory evacuation order and Mayor David Carmadelle is urging his residents to get out too. He expects the current voluntary evacuation for residents to become mandatory by tomorrow.

Cut 13 (08) “…to get out” 

Carmadelle says in recent years, building codes have strengthened so that most buildings can withstand a Category One hurricane but he says his main concern is not the wind speed, it’s the storm surge.

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.”

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. The officer suffered minor injuries. Anyone with information to share that with Detectives and can anonymously report information to the Louisiana State Police online reporting system

Cut 5 (10) “…1-800-434-8007.”

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.”

People living along the Louisiana Gulf Coast should make plans to evacuate soon. In Grand Isle, 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.

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. The officer suffered minor injuries. This is an active investigation.

One out of every four homeowners don’t feel financially prepared for a major storm according to a recent Bankrate survey. Analyst Shannon Martin says not surprisingly, the financial impact is much greater on households with lower incomes.

Cut 8 (10)  “…make over 80-thousand.”

The Lake Charles Skyline will be forever changed Saturday morning as the iconic Capital One Tower is set to be demolished. The implosion is scheduled for 8:00 A.M but the Lake Charles Police Department and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing an exclusion zone beginning at 6:30 A.M. and anyone in the area near the Lake must be indoors for safety as dust and debris will be in the air. Anyone parking along I-10 to watch the implosion will be forced to leave and possibly towed.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that dove hunting season will officially open tomorrow to January 14, 2025. As a popular event for Louisiana hunters, the dove season marks the beginning of Louisiana’s fall hunting schedule. LDWF Biologist Richards Temple says Louisiana is divided into a North and South zone…

Cut 3 (11) “…north-south zones is.”

Six more neglected horses and ponies have been taken into custody by Louisiana humane groups, adding to a growing number of equine neglect cases. HSLA Director Jeff Dorson is urging the public to report any signs of animal neglect and to support rescue efforts through donations or adoption. They also stress the importance of responsible horse ownership, reminding potential owners to carefully consider the cost and long-term commitment required to care for equine animals.

Cut 11 (12) “…not looking well.”

With many parts of Louisiana not having dedicated humane programs Dorson asks people to not purchase animals if they’re not ready and willing to care for them properly.

This Saturday’s matchup between Nicholls State and LSU was originally scheduled for 2020 until COVID altered those plans, and Colonel’s head coach, Tim Rebowe was excited to get it rescheduled. And though it’s a mismatch, Rebowe says his team is looking forward to running onto the field at Death Valley.

Cut 13 (10) “…the flagship school” 

Rebowe says along with a huge payday, this game provides a great opportunity to get the word out about the school and the football team.

As Six more neglected horses and ponies have been taken into custody by Louisiana humane groups, HSLA Director Jeff Dorson says the rise in equine neglect cases is alarming. He says they are seeing an increase in reports of horses and ponies being abandoned or left in unhealthy environments. Dorson attributes this surge to financial hardship among owners, who are struggling to afford proper feed, medical care, and shelter for their animals.

Cut 10 (12) “…in these fields.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that dove hunting season will officially open tomorrow. LDWF Biologist Richards Temple reminds hunters to adhere to daily bag limits, which are set at 15 doves per hunter per day, and he says it’s looking like this will be a great start to the season.

Cut 5 (06) “…hunters out there.”

Dove hunting season continues through January 14.

Fans going to Saturday’s LSU home opener will be in for an enhanced gameday experience. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Nicholls State comes to Baton Rouge Saturday night. Even though this is a mismatch on paper, Colonel’s head coach Tim Rebowe says this game provides a great opportunity to get the word out about the school and the football team.

Cut  14 (08) “..type of stuff.”

Rebowe points out that Nicholls, the defending Southland Conference Champion, is the last Division One team in Louisiana to play LSU.

A flood watch is in effect for nearly all of South Louisiana and the gulf low responsible for all the rain has now been labeled Invest 90L by The National Hurricane Center. Some models give the system a brief chance of strengthening into a tropical storm but wind shear along the Coast decreases those chances and an expected weekend cold front will push the system south into to gulf. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the heavy rainfall over the next couple days will increase the chances of flooding.

Cut 10 (06) “…the metro areas.”

Some areas could get 10 inches or more of rain before this gulf low system moves on

The 11-year-old accused of killing former interim Minden Mayor and City Councilman, Joe Cornelieus and his daughter, Keisha Miles has pleaded not guilty though his public defender. Judge Sherb Sentell accepted the plea and revoked the juvenile’s $500,000 bond meaning he will remain in custody until trial. He is currently being held in Ware Youth Center in Coushatta.

Louisiana experienced a significant reduction in highway deaths in 2023, with data showing 811 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes with a 10.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you’re interested in becoming a State Trooper, The deadline to apply for the 106th Cadet Class is September 18th, less than two weeks away. Lt. Robert Fontenot says applicants need to meet certain requirements and the State Police Training Academy is hard, but the intense training leads to a well-paying job…

Cut 5 (09) “…year of employment”

Go to LSP’s website for more information.

A flood watch is in effect for nearly all of South Louisiana though Friday night for Southwest areas and Saturday morning for Southeast Louisiana. National Weather Service Meteorologist Kevin Gilmore says the prolonged rain is increasing the chances of flooding.

Cut 9 (05)  “…looking relatively wet.”

The National Hurricane Center has now labeled the Gulf low responsible for the rain Invest 90L. Some models give the system a brief chance of strengthening into a tropical storm but wind shear along the Gulf Coast decreases those chances. An expected weekend cold front will push the system south, but some areas could get 10 inches of rain before the systems moves on.

The state fire marshal’s office says the deadly house explosion in Beauregard Parish over the weekend was likely caused by a propane leak. A 16-year-old boy was killed in the explosion in Ragley. Five others, including a two-year-old boy, remain hospitalized.

If you’re interested in becoming a State Trooper, you have until September 18^th to apply to be a part of the 106^th Cadet Class. Lt. Robert Fontenot says applicants need to meet certain requirements and the State Police Training Academy is hard. Applicants need to have the physical and mental capabilities to work in law enforcement.

Cut 4 (11) “…for a reason.”

Go to LSP’s website for more information.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the number of highway deaths declined in 2023 by 10.5-percent.  Spokesperson Greg Fischer says the seatbelt usage rate is the highest ever recorded in Louisiana at over 88-percent, a three-percent increase from the previous year…

Cut 8 (11)  “…wearing a seatbelt.”