The now down-graded tropical depression made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Center reported at 5 p.m. When it hit its maximum sustained winds estimated near 100 mph.
As of the hurricane center's 1 a.m. CT forecast discussion, the storm was moving with sustained winds of 50 mph. Up to 12 inches of rain was possible in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night.
News outlet and social media footage showed water flooding streets and cemeteries, downed trees as well as downed trees and utility poles; and several dramatic rescues.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard had been mobilized with nearly 400 high-water vehicles, 87 boats, and 50 helicopters ready to aid rescue and recovery efforts. He continues to urge residents to follow instructions of local officials, including evacuation if told to do so.
See damage left by Francine in Louisiana
A fallen tree blocks an intersection on September 11, 2024 in Houma, Louisiana. Hurricane Francine has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane and continues to make landfall along the Louisiana coast. Weather analysts are predicting 90mph winds near the eye and a strong storm surge along the coast. Brandon Bell, Getty ImagesFirefighters from the New Orleans Fire Department respond to a three alarm fire at the intersection of Piety and Dauphine Streets as the effects of Hurricane Francine begin to be felt on the U.S. Gulf Coast, in New Orleans, Louisiana. REUTERS/Edmund D. Fountain Edmund D. Fountain, REUTERSStorm surge begins to flood the docks of Campo’s Marina just before Hurricane Francine made landfall on the U.S. Gulf Coast in Louisiana on September 11, 2024. REUTERS/Edmund Fountain Edmund Fountain, REUTERSSatellite imagery shoes Tropical Storm Francine moving up Louisiana Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, after making landfall Wednesday night. Provided by National Hurricane Center / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesA family watches Hurricane Francine from their hotel on September 11, 2024 in Houma, Louisiana. Francine has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane and continues to make landfall along the Louisiana coast. Weather analysts are predicting 90mph winds near the eye and a strong storm surge along the coast. Brandon Bell, Getty ImagesA road is pictured blocked off in Dulac, Louisiana, ahead of Hurricane Francine's arrival. Brandon Bell
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