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.

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.

So far Francine is expected to strengthen to a hurricane this afternoon and is currently about 380 southwest of Morgan City. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the biggest update at ten o’clock is that the path has shifted to the east.

Cut 4 (13) “…of South Louisiana.”

Francine is now expected to make landfall closer to New Orleans and the bayou parishes, with St. Mary Parish now in the crosshairs of Francine’s path

Lafourche Parish is bracing for Francine, drawing on lessons learned from Hurricane Ida’s devastating impact. In response to Ida, Parish President Archie 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 floodgates.

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.”

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 before landfall.

Governor Landry is urging people in the coastal parishes not to panic, but rather to be prepared. This, as Francine is aiming for the Louisiana Gulf Coast.   Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging people to be insurance ready.

Cut 21 (13) “…your insurance company.”

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.”

Francine will produce power outages. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they are 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.”

Cleco has brought in 17-hundred additional contractors to help restore power once the storm passes.

Evacuations are underway in Louisiana’s low lying areas along the coast that are not protected by a levee system. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says a mandatory evacuation order is set to go into effect in his parish at 5 PM for high risk flooding areas…

Cut 9 (12) “…issue or two”

Once the power goes out, people turn to portable generators for electricity. Director of the West Bank Fire Services, Don Robertson, has this message…

Cut 16 (12) “…in your garage”

Robertson says it’s also smart to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home when using a generator.

Tropical Storm Francine is in the Western Gulf of Mexico trying to get more organized. As of the 10 AM update, Francine has maximum sustained winds at 65 miles per hour and LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Francine should reach hurricane strength 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, with a possible landfall near Morgan City and putting more of the New Orleans metro area, including Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes on the bad side of the storm. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says preparations for the storm should be completed this afternoon…

Cut 15 (08) “….go out”

Sheng has called for a mandatory evacuation for coastal residents and those outside of the levee system.

Entergy is gearing up for the impact of Hurricane Francine, which could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread power outages. 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.

Cleco is preparing for potential widespread power outages as Francine approaches southern Louisiana. With the forecast expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding, Spokesperson Jenifer Cahill says Cleco has ramped up its emergency response efforts to ensure rapid power restoration.

Cut 6 (12) “…vegetation specalist.”

And again with Francine we are anticipating a landfall sometime Wednesday afternoon, Wednesday night, possibly near Morgan City as a Category one or two storm.

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.

Entergy Louisiana is gearing up for possible widespread power outages as a result of Francine.  Vice President of Customer Service Michelle Bourg (berg) is urging customers to prepare for the storm by updating their contact information with for text updates on power at Entergy-dot-com.

Cut 13 (10)  “…stay wide open.”

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

Meanwhile Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple is urging people to be insurance ready and to prepare their properties for Francine’s arrival.

Cut 6 (12) …damage your neighbors’.”

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

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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 and 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

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.”

For more information on preparing yourself and your property for Hurricane Francine, visit  GetAGamePlan-dot-org.

Entergy Louisiana is gearing up for the possible impact of what will likely be Hurricane Francine and the possibility of 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.

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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. In Vermillion Parish a voluntary evacuation is in place for residents in low-lying areas.  Vermillion Parish Emergency Preparedness Director Homer Stelly is urging people to prepare for prolonged power outages or evacuation.

Cut 8 (04) “…improve it.”

Lafayette is in the middle of Francine’s current path. Mayor-President Monique Boulet is urging residents to make sure you have all your medications and important documents, secure loose items around your property.  And she’s urging people in low-lying areas to evacuate.

Cut 10 (18) “…you do evacuate.”