Louisiana readies for Tropical Storm Francine, expected to hit as a hurricane

An infrared images shows Tropical Storm Francine in the western Gulf of Mexico as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (NOAA image)

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has asked President Joe Biden to issue an emergency declaration for the state as residents ready for Tropical Storm Francine, which forecasters are saying could make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane.

The Louisiana National Guard has been activated ahead of the storm and deployed across coastal parishes, Gen. Thomas Friloux told reporters at a media briefing Tuesday.

The state-run shelter in Alexandria is also prepared to take up to 500 people if local shelters overflow, according to Jacques Thibodeaux, director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

“Tropical storm force winds begin tomorrow morning,” State Climatologist Jay Grymes said. “You need to have everything completed by that time.”

Francine will bring 6 to 10 feet of storm surge to Vermilion and Atchafalaya bays, Grymes said. The storm is now tracking east and poses a significant risk to coastal parishes in Southeast Louisiana as well the area between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Widespread rainfall of 4-8 inches is expected across South Louisiana, which Grymes said could cause some rivers to flood.

“Because of that forward speed, while the storm will get out relatively quickly, it’s also going to drive those tropical storm and hurricane force winds up to and north of the I -10/12 corridor. All of south central and southeastern Louisiana under the gun with this storm,” Grymes said.

The National Guard is preparing for search and rescue operations after the storm and is also staging food and water for storm victims, Friloux said. The Guard has 87 boats, 387 high water vehicles and 50 helicopters standing by to support their mission, he added.

Local officials will be the primary contact for shelters, said Thibodeaux. Several parishes will have shelters available for people with serious medical needs, he said.

Attorney General Liz Murrill advised residents to report instances of price gouging to local law enforcement and to the state’s consumer protection hotline, 1-800-351-4889.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission will share information on power outages on its website .

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