Francine strengthens overnight on its way to Louisiana coast

Hurricane Francine continued its course toward the Louisiana coast early Wednesday after strengthening overnight into a strong Category 1 storm, though the system is expected to encounter some shearing upper winds that could dampen its intensity before landfall in the evening.

Even if it weakens, the National Weather Service still expects Francine to drive a “life-threatening” storm surge of 5 to 10 feet from the Cameron-Vermillion parish line to Port Fourchon. With landfall forecasted by sunset Wednesday, the hurricane’s severe weather threats inland will happen into the night.

Less than 24 hours away from landfall, the cone for Francine’s probable path stretched from Lafayette to New Orleans. The National Weather Service predicted track takes the storm inland near St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes and moves through northeast, passing between Baton Rouge and Hammond before heading into southwest Mississippi by Wednesday night.

Francine poses a slight tornado risk to areas east of track, though the threat will decrease once the storm passes.

A storm surge warning is also in place for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, where storm surge is predicted to reach 3-5 feet on the north and west shores.

Francine’s rainfall is forecast to create a moderate risk, or at least 40% chance, of flash flooding over the next five days, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Mandatory evacuation orders are in place in threatened coastal areas. They include Cameron Parish and parts of Lafourche Parish below the Leon Theriot locks and people who live in trailer homes.

Terrebonne Parish has called for a mandatory evacuation for Zone 1, which is outside the Morganza-to-the-Gulf levee system.

In Jefferson Parish, a mandatory evacuation is in place for communities that typically ride out most hurricanes — Grand Isle, Jean Lafitte and Barataria.

Residents in lower Plaquemines Parish have also been directed to leave.

Recovery efforts from Francine are should begin in earnest Thursday. Gov. Jeff Landry received approval late Tuesday from President Joe Biden for a federal disaster declaration, which fast-tracks resources from Washington to assist with matters such as storm cleanup and emergency housing.

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