Thu Sep 12 08:56:00 UTC 2024: ## Hurricane Francine Batters Louisiana, Causing Flooding and Power Outages
**HOUMA, LOUISIANA** – Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and potential for life-threatening flooding. The storm, which weakened as it moved inland, still caused significant damage, leaving thousands without power.
The storm made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Terrebonne Parish, before being downgraded to Category 1 with sustained winds of 140kmh. The National Hurricane Center warned of up to 3m of storm surge and a foot of rain in some parts of Louisiana.
New Orleans and surrounding areas were placed under a flash flood emergency, with Mayor LaToya Cantrell urging residents to shelter in place. Coastal towns were battered by the storm, with streets flooded and power outages affecting over 300,000 customers.
Residents in Houma prepared for the storm’s arrival by filling sandbags, stocking up on supplies, and fueling their vehicles.
The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to weaken further as it moves inland over Louisiana and Mississippi. Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency and received federal emergency aid from President Biden. The Louisiana National Guard mobilized resources for evacuations and search and rescue efforts.
Schools and universities around Baton Rouge were closed until Friday. Curfews were implemented across the Louisiana capital region.
Louisiana, particularly its low-lying areas, is susceptible to hurricanes. The state is a major US trade hub, with a significant part of its economy reliant on the oil and natural gas industry. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which began in June, has seen only three hurricanes so far, puzzling scientists.
Climate change is suspected to be a contributing factor to the rapid intensification of storms, as warmer ocean waters provide more energy for their development.
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