Wed Sep 11 09:37:00 UTC 2024: ## Tropical Storm Francine Slams Louisiana, Leaving Thousands Without Power

**Morgan City, LA** – Tropical Storm Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane Wednesday, has left over 275,000 homes and businesses without power and caused significant flooding in coastal communities. The storm, which is expected to weaken further as it moves northward over Mississippi, brought heavy rains and strong winds, prompting officials to issue flood warnings for parts of the northern Gulf Coast.

Francine made landfall near Terrebonne Parish with winds of 100 mph, battering a region still recovering from devastating hurricanes in recent years. The storm then moved toward New Orleans, bringing torrential rains overnight.

While no injuries or deaths have been reported, video footage shows waves crashing against seawalls and flooding city streets. Power outages are widespread, with over 362,546 homes and businesses affected.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has activated the National Guard, providing resources including food, water, high-water vehicles, boats, and helicopters to respond to the storm and assist with possible search and rescue operations. President Joe Biden has also granted an emergency declaration to expedite federal aid.

Mississippi officials have also declared a state of emergency and distributed over 100,000 sandbags to residents in southern parts of the state. Schools across the region have been closed due to the storm.

Forecasters predict that much of Louisiana and Mississippi could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 12 inches, which could lead to further flooding. The storm is also expected to bring a threat of tornadoes on Thursday.

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