Mon Sep 09 15:09:59 UTC 2024: ## Tropical Storm Francine Strengthens, Threatens Louisiana Coast with Hurricane Landfall

**BATON ROUGE, La.** – Tropical Storm Francine has intensified in the Gulf of Mexico and is projected to make landfall as a hurricane in Louisiana later this week, prompting urgent evacuations and preparations across the state.

Francine, the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is expected to become a Category 2 hurricane with winds reaching 96-110 mph upon making landfall on Wednesday afternoon. The storm is already impacting Mexico, where heavy rains have forced school closures.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged residents to heed evacuation warnings and prepare for heavy rainfall and potential widespread flooding. “We do not want people to wait to the last minute,” Landry warned, emphasizing the importance of having supplies and fuel readily available.

The storm poses a significant threat to a Louisiana coastline still recovering from the devastation of Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida. The approaching hurricane is predicted to bring up to 10 feet of storm surge along the coast from Cameron to Port Fourchon.

“It’s a potential for significantly dangerous, life-threatening inundation,” stated Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center.

Officials across the state are urging residents to take immediate action and prepare for the impending storm. In Baton Rouge, residents are filling gas tanks, stocking up on groceries, and filling sandbags to protect their homes from potential flooding.

A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for seven coastal communities in Cameron Parish, including Holly Beach and Grand Isle. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to prepare to shelter in place, anticipating up to 6 inches of rain, gusty winds, and isolated tornado activity.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts that Francine will continue moving north-northeast through Monday evening and accelerate toward the upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines on Wednesday.

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