Hurricane Francine makes landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm

Floodwater fills a cemetery as Hurricane Francine moves in on Sept. 11, 2024, in Dulac, Louisiana. ( Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

A bit of last-minute fuel from the Gulf of Mexico strengthened Hurricane Francine into a Category 2 hurricane, with 100 mph maximum sustained winds, before it made landfall Wednesday afternoon in coastal Louisiana.

Francine has made its way inland in St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes and continues to move northeast at 17 mph. Forecasters anticipate the storm will weaken once over land, though it could remain a hurricane through most of its time in Louisiana.

Before landfall, Francine’s hurricane-force winds extended 40 miles out from its center.

All of southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi remains under a tornado watch through 11 p.m. Central. Francine’s rains also pose a flood threat, with totals between 4-8 inches expected along its path and as much as 12 inches possible in concentrations.

Storm surge risk exists across much of coastal Louisiana, with 5-10 feet of Gulf water predicted between Burns Point, just west of the Atchafalaya River delta in St. Mary Parish, and Port Fourchon. East of Bayou Lafourche, the surge forecast is from 4-7 feet up to the Mississippi River. Lake Pontchartrain can expect a surge between 4-6 feet, and Lake Maurepas should expect 3-5 feet.

Much of the region saw high tides during the morning, meaning the surge comes after a time when it could have caused more damage. Plus, Francine’s winds should push water back out once its eye passes.

Local leaders are urging residents to shelter in place through the duration of the storm and remain off roads until authorities give the all-clear indication. Emergency crews will attempt to access stricken areas and persons in need once it’s safe to do so. Officials have warned against sight-seers heading out too early and potentially creating more problems.

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