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.

Tuesday Francine drifted more east but National Weather Service Meteorologist Hannah Lisney says she does not expect any additional significant shift in the path.

Cut 10 (12) “…at this point.”

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.”

Lafourche Parish will be enforcing a curfew from noon today until sunrise Thursday.

Francine’s current track is expected take the center near St. Tammany Parish. President Mike Cooper is urging people to stay off the roads as not to interfere with rescue and recovery operations.

Cut 16 (12)   “…respond to emergencies.”

Tangipahoa Parish has opened shelters of last resort in Robert at Restoration Church, in Amite at Amite Community Center, and in the Village of Tangipahoa at Brown’s Chapel.

The attorney general of Louisiana has a stern warning for price gougers. Andrew Greenstein reports

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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 95 mph and continues its northeastward movement. In St. Mary Parish, city and parish leaders say they’re ready for Francine’s arrival. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana’s coast from Cameron to Grand Isle remains under a Hurricane warning with life threatening storm surge from five to ten feet and hurricane force winds expected.

In Lafourche Parish, a curfew will be enacted at noon today and end at Sunrise Thursday morning.

Francine strengthened to Hurricane Tuesday evening and throughout the day yesterday, Francine’s path shifted more and more to the east but National Weather Service Meteorologist Hannah Lisney says she does not expect any additional significant shift in the path.

Cut 10 (12) “…at this point.”

In anticipation of Francine’s arrival, Tangipahoa Parish is opening three shelters of last resort locations — in Robert, at Restoration Church, in Amite at Amite Community Center, and in the Village of Tangipahoa at Brown’s Chapel.

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.”

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.