As Tropical Storm Francine is expected to strengthen into a hurricane, Louisiana is gearing up for its potential impact, particularly along the Gulf Coast. With the storm forecasted to make landfall as early as Wednesday, Governor Jeff Landry has issued a statewide emergency declaration and urged residents to take immediate precautions.
According to forecasts from the National Hurricane Center, Francine is likely to strike Louisiana’s coast as a Category 1 or possibly Category 2 hurricane. The areas most at risk include Cameron Parish and other coastal regions stretching from the mouth of the Sabine River to St. Mary Parish. The storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, with expectations of 7 to 9 inches within a 12-hour period, which could result in localized flooding and storm surges.
Governor Landry emphasized the importance of preparedness, particularly for those living in coastal areas. “Those people living along the coast should heed their local officials’ warnings and take the proper precautions necessary for high tides, extreme surges, and strong winds,” Landry said during a press conference. He advised residents to avoid last-minute preparations to prevent long lines at gas stations and to ensure their homes and properties are secure.
Jacques Thibodeaux, Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that residents should stay off the roads and remain vigilant. Thibodeaux also mentioned that the state has been in communication with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to secure a federal disaster declaration in anticipation of the storm’s impact .
In response to the impending storm, companies like AT&T and Entergy Louisiana are also taking steps to ensure their networks and services remain operational. AT&T has activated its storm preparedness plan, which includes topping off generators, testing backup batteries at cell sites, and staging emergency response equipment. “Customers rely on us, especially during major storms,” said David Aubrey, president of AT&T Louisiana. “We’re working to position equipment and crews and are ready to respond if needed.”
Similarly, Entergy Louisiana has urged customers to prepare for potential power outages and has begun positioning materials and supplies in strategic locations. The company is closely monitoring the storm’s progress and is ready to adjust staffing and resources as necessary. “Now is not the time to let your guard down,” said Steven Benyard, vice president of reliability for Entergy Louisiana. “Please take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your family and your home.”
As Louisiana braces for the impact of Francine, the state’s leadership continues to emphasize the importance of preparedness and safety. Governor Landry is scheduled to hold another press conference on Tuesday to provide updates on the storm and the state’s readiness efforts.
Residents are encouraged to visit Getagameplan.org for information on storm preparedness and to stay informed through local media and official social media channels for the latest updates.
Editor’s Note: The Center Square and Louisiana Illuminator contributed to this report.