Hurricane Francine batters Louisiana, over 245,000 left without power

Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm, packing winds up to 100 mph and leaving significant damage in its wake. The storm struck the coast near Terrebonne Parish late on Wednesday, with widespread power outages reported across the region, impacting more than 245,000 residents. The storm brought with it torrential rains, resulting in flash flooding and the threat of deadly storm surges across low-lying areas.

Authorities had issued mandatory evacuation orders for vulnerable areas like Grand Isle, Lafitte, and Barataria, while floodgates were raised in several parishes to help mitigate potential damage. The National Guard was deployed to assist in disaster relief efforts, with over 2,300 guardsmen mobilized ahead of the storm. Local school districts in the affected areas closed as a precaution, and several airports and ports, including the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, suspended operations, affecting offshore oil supplies.

The storm surge posed one of the most significant threats, with water levels rising rapidly along the coast, pushing inland to flood-prone communities. In southern Louisiana, residents experienced blocked roads due to downed trees and power lines, exacerbating the disruption. While the storm has weakened since landfall, authorities continue to warn residents about the risk of additional flooding due to the slow-moving nature of the hurricane and continued heavy rainfall.

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