Mon Sep 09 16:09:00 UTC 2024: ## Tropical Storm Francine Heads Toward Louisiana, Expected to Make Landfall as Category 2 Hurricane
**Lake Charles, LA** – Tropical Storm Francine is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico and is forecast to reach hurricane status by Tuesday before making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday afternoon. The storm is expected to bring life-threatening storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall to the region.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged residents to prepare for the storm and heed evacuation warnings, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and not waiting until the last minute. “We do not want people to wait to the last minute to get on the road and then run out of fuel,” he stated.
Francine’s arrival comes just as the state is still recovering from previous hurricanes like Laura, Delta, and Ida. The storm is projected to bring significant flooding, especially in areas that have yet to fully recover from past devastation.
The National Hurricane Center has issued a storm surge warning for an area stretching from east of Houston to the mouth of the Mississippi River, indicating a risk of life-threatening flooding.
Officials in several coastal communities have ordered mandatory evacuations, including Holly Beach, Grand Isle, and seven other remote communities in Cameron Parish.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to prepare to shelter in place, reminding them to finalize their storm plans and look out for their neighbors.
The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and isolated tornado activity to the region, with the most intense weather anticipated on Wednesday and Thursday.
With Francine approaching, residents across the state are preparing for the storm’s impact. Long lines have formed at gas stations as people stock up on fuel and groceries. City-operated sandbag locations have also been busy as residents work to protect their homes from potential flooding.
The storm is currently moving north-northwest at 5 mph and is expected to make landfall somewhere between Sabine Pass and Morgan City.
First Piper 