Francine update: Louisiana gov. issues disaster declaration ahead of hurricane threat, wind, rain

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued a statewide emergency declaration as Tropical Storm Francine is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds this week.

The governor’s office said the storm is expected to bring four to eight inches of heavy rain across the southern part of Louisiana, possible tornadoes and damaging winds.

Landry said the state of emergency will allow parishes to get resources “to help protect the life, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Louisiana.”

According to the National Weather Service New Orleans in a Monday afternoon update, the storm is moving northwest before it will turn northeast toward the Louisiana coast. Weather experts said hurricane and tropical storm watches have been issued.

Landry was joined by leaders from the Louisiana National Guard, Louisiana State Police, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple.

“We want everyone in the state to be cautious and vigilant as (GOHSEP Director) Jacques (Thibodeaux) said. We don’t want to downplay this event, but we also do not want people to panic,” said Landry.

Leaders want residents to take advantage of getagameplan.org for resources and information about storm preparation.

Landry said leaders have started conference calls with parish officials. A unified command group meeting is planned for Tuesday.

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