Hurricane Francine Approaches Louisiana, Intensifying Rapidly
States of emergency declared as residents and industries brace for potential Category 2 landfall with significant storm surges, heavy rain, and widespread flooding.
- Francine intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane with sustained winds of 75 mph, possibly reaching Category 2 before landfall.
- Louisiana and Mississippi have declared states of emergency, with evacuation orders in place for low-lying areas and extensive storm preparation activities underway.
- The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for storm surges up to 10 feet, heavy rainfall up to 12 inches, and potential flash flooding and tornadoes in affected regions.
- Oil companies have shut down offshore platforms and evacuated workers, impacting nearly 25% of current Gulf of Mexico oil production.
- Francine is the sixth named storm and fourth hurricane of the Atlantic season, following an unusual lull in storm activity.
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