Hurricane Francine hits Louisiana, raising many concerns

On September 12, 2024, the dangerous Category 2 storm Hurricane "Francine" hit the Louisiana coast on Wednesday evening. The National Hurricane Center announced that "Francine" made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles southwest of Morgan City. With maximum sustained winds of nearly 100 miles per hour, this hurricane has dealt a huge blow to the vulnerable coastal area, which has not fully recovered from a series of previous hurricanes.

Alvin Cochran, fire chief of Morgan City, said the hurricane quickly flooded streets, snapped power lines and brought down tree branches. There are currently no immediate reports of casualties. Television news broadcasts showed waves crashing against seawalls, water pouring into city streets, trees leaning in the strong wind and utility poles swaying. Hours after making landfall, more than 261,000 power outages occurred in Louisiana, widely affecting the southeastern part of the state.

Laura Leftwich, 40, took refuge at her mother's house outside Morgan City. The strong winds blew away two large birdhouses. The National Hurricane Center urged residents to stay in shelters all night. The storm's expected path includes New Orleans. "Francine" gained energy from the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and strengthened into a Category 2 storm before making landfall. Then it moved inland and began to weaken, but it is still very dangerous and also increases the risk of tornadoes.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said the National Guard will be dispersed to affected parishes. They have sufficient supplies to deal with the storm and possible search and rescue operations. President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration to help Louisiana obtain federal funds and assistance. Mississippi has also taken a series of countermeasures, distributing sandbags and closing some school districts. "Francine" triggered a storm surge warning of up to 10 feet on the Louisiana coast, posing a widespread flood threat and potential flash flood threat to the local area.