President Biden has granted an emergency disaster declaration for Louisiana in response to Hurricane Francine, which made landfall earlier today as a Category 2 storm, bringing winds of up to 100 miles per hour, heavy rainfall, and significant storm surge. Debbie Elliott reports from New Orleans, detailing worsening conditions throughout the day as the storm intensified, fueled by unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico.
As the storm hit, winds and rain intensified, prompting warnings. Many roads, highways, and bridges in coastal areas have already been flooded or closed. Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry urged residents to remain in place after the storm passes, highlighting the ongoing risk on the roadways.
While officials note that Francine is not as severe as past hurricanes like Katrina or Ida, they still emphasize its dangers. Residents appear to be taking it seriously, as streets in New Orleans’ Central Business District have emptied, and some areas are reporting evacuations.
Coastal parishes like Grand Isle have issued evacuations and curfews. Some nursing homes in New Orleans have also relocated residents. Gabriella Trujillo shared her decision to leave town due to health concerns related to stress and heat.
The storm is expected to weaken quickly as it moves inland towards Mississippi and further north.