As Hurricane Francine approaches the U.S. Gulf Coast, residents in Morgan City, Louisiana, are making urgent preparations. The storm, intensifying from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane fueled by warm Gulf waters, is expected to reach Category 2 strength before landfall, potentially bringing deadly storm surge, widespread flooding, and destructive winds. Officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, have urged residents to finalize precautions and remain indoors once the hurricane hits. Louisiana’s National Guard is on standby, equipped for search-and-rescue operations with nearly 400 high-water vehicles and multiple boats and helicopters.
Local preparations include boarding up businesses and distributing sandbags. Pat Simon, a retired boat captain, evacuated his home, while new resident Wayne Grant, concerned about flooding, lined up for sandbags in New Orleans. Both Louisiana and Mississippi have declared states of emergency, mobilizing resources for disaster assistance. Francine is expected to weaken after moving inland but poses a significant threat to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle with potential rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, risking considerable flash flooding.
This is Louisiana’s sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, with the local community still recovering from past hurricanes like Laura, Delta, and Ida. Coy Verdin, a resident who recently rebuilt his home after Hurricane Ida, is among those preparing for the worst yet hoping for the best. The storm surge could reach up to 10 feet in some areas, making Francine a formidable threat to the already vulnerable Gulf Coast.
Original Story https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/11/hurricane-francine-takes-aim-at-louisiana-coast.html
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