Francine weakened to a tropical storm late Wednesday after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane, causing power outages for over 275,000 homes and businesses. The storm surge rushed into coastal communities, raising flood fears in New Orleans and beyond as heavy rains spread over the northern Gulf Coast.
The National Hurricane Center forecasted Francine to be downgraded to a tropical depression as it moved northward over Mississippi. Forecasters warned of potential scattered flash flooding in areas such as Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Atlanta, with 4 to 6 inches of rain expected in some regions.
With 100 mph winds, Francine made landfall in coastal Terrebonne Parish, battering an area still recovering from previous hurricanes. Moving towards New Orleans at 17 mph, the storm brought torrential rains overnight, causing water to flood city streets and trees to sway in the high winds.
Despite the intensity of the storm, there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. Power outages in Louisiana exceeded 362,546, affecting a wide area in southeast Louisiana.
Laura Leftwich, sheltering outside Morgan City, described the frightening experience of the storm, with wind gusts sweeping away birdhouses and water overflowing in the streets. The storm's impact was felt across the region, prompting Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to deploy the National Guard for assistance.
President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration to Louisiana, providing federal aid. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared a state of emergency, with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency distributing sandbags and school closures reported.
As the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Francine drew strength from warm Gulf waters, intensifying to a Category 2 hurricane before landfall. The storm's aftermath included a lingering threat of tornadoes and heavy rainfall in Louisiana and Mississippi.
With a history of hurricanes impacting Louisiana, Francine added to the list of powerful storms that have struck the region. The city of Morgan City, situated on the Atchafalaya River, faced the brunt of the storm's impact, highlighting the vulnerability of coastal communities.
