At a Glance
- Francine made landfall Wednesday night in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana.
- Power outages soared as the storm moved inland.
- Trees were downed and power lines snapped.
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Francine tore down trees, knocked down power lines, flooded roads and left a wide swath of southern Louisiana in the dark after roaring ashore Wednesday evening.
First responders were pulled off the roads as the storm pushed through. In some cases, emergency services were reserved only for extreme life-threatening situations until weather conditions improved.
Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of about 100 mph. The storm then weakened to a tropical storm.
Landfall doesn't mean the threat is over, though.
"Francine is set to quickly weaken as it runs inland across Louisiana and Mississippi through Thursday," weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles said Wednesday night. "The storm will still pack gusty winds, heavy rainfall and possibly a few tornadoes through the South until the end of the week."
Follow Francine's track here, and get the latest forecast here.
Here's what happened Wednesday:
(8:25 p.m. ET) Emergency Medical Services Limited
From a social media update by Plaquemines Parish:
"Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the Plaquemines Parish Emergency Medical Service (EMS) will only be responding to extreme life-threatening situations. Please be advised that response times may be slower due to the adverse weather conditions. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our paramedics and patients during this challenging time."
(8:01 p.m. ET) Fire Chief: 'Little Bit Worse Than What I Expected'
Morgan City Fire Chief Alvin co*ckerham said Francine quickly flooded streets and snapped power lines and tree limbs.
“It’s a little bit worse than what I expected to be honest with you,” co*ckerham told The Associated Press. “I pulled all my trucks back to the station; it’s too dangerous to be out there in this.”
The storm made landfall near Morgan City in Terrebonne Parish.
(7:37 p.m. ET) Power Outages Soar As Francine Moves Inland
More than 120,000 power outages are being reported in Louisiana, according to poweroutage.us. They extend across more than a dozen parishes in the Southern part of the state. Since each outage can represent multiple on one account, the storm has potentially left hundreds of thousands in the dark.
(7:24 p.m. ET) Francine Keeps Cruise Ship At Sea
The Carnival Valor cruise ship is hemmed up by Francine.
"It is now clear that the ship will not be able to return to New Orleans at the scheduled time tomorrow, Thursday, September 12. At best, we are very tentatively anticipating arriving tomorrow afternoon," John Heald, senior cruise director of Carnival Cruise Lines, said on Facebook.
The port was closed ahead of the storm, and Heald said officials will have to check for damages before it can reopen.
The ship has a capacity of 2,980 passengers and 1,180 crew members and sails from New Orleans to the Caribbean, according to Carnival's website.
(7:13 p.m. ET) First Signs Of Damage
A photo posted to social media shows a church with its roof ripped off, laying across sparking power lines, in Houma, Louisiana. The town is in Terrebonne Parish, where Francine made landfall earlier this evening.
(6:44 p.m. ET) Sheriff: 'It's Blowing Pretty Good Now'
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell told the Louisiana Illuminator he pulled all of his deputies off the road for now.
"It's blowing pretty good now," Driskell told the Baton Rouge news outlet. "Power lines are down. Trees are down."
Deputies are being temporarily pulled off the roads.
(6:33 p.m. ET) Power Outages Rise In Southern Louisiana
More than 64,000 homes, businesses and other electric customers are without power as Francine moves across the coast and over land.
Data from PowerOutage.us shows the outages are largely concentrated in three parishes: St. Mary, Terrebonne and Lafourche.
But numbers are likely to increase - and spread - into the night.
(6:03 p.m. ET) Francine Makes Landfall
The National Weather Service just confirmed that Francine officially came ashore this evening near Morgan City in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana. The storm was packing sustained winds around 100 mph.
(5:26 p.m. ET) 'It's Getting Serious Now'
Penny Daigle is a bartender at Friend’s Tavern in Morgan City, Louisiana. The bar closed ahead of Francine, but Daigle, her boyfriend, her 19-year-old daughter and their cat, Peppy, are riding out the storm there.
“It just started picking up,” Daigle told us in an interview a few minutes ago. “You can see the wind gusts outside everywhere. A few fire trucks just passed, a police car just passed, we saw some Army trucks. So it’s getting serious now.”
They’re spending the night at the bar because it has sturdy brick walls and a generator.
“We can play the jukebox, we have cards, the radio,” Daigle said. “We have our air mattresses. We came prepared.”
(5:03 p.m. ET) Francine Now A Category 2 Hurricane
Francine is currently located about 40 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, and 100 miles southwest of New Orleans, according to an update just released by the National Hurricane Center.
The storm is packing maximum sustained winds of 100 mph, which makes it a Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
(5:01 p.m. ET) New Orleans Is 'Hunkered Down'
Residents in New Orleans are ready for Francine, a local school board official says.
"Everyone is hunkered down, they are ready for whatever comes our way later today and into tomorrow morning. We're just going to sit it out and wait and see what happens," Katie Baudouin, president of the Orleans Parish School Board, told The Weather Channel's Justin Michaels.
And when it comes to talking to kids about storms?
"A lot of it is trying to make sure that everyone isn't scared, that students aren't scared and that they know that the people in charge know what they're doing and that they should listen and stay safe and not take risks that they shouldn't be taking," Baudouin said.
Schools in New Orleans are closed through at least tomorrow.
(4:45 p.m. ET) Water Rising In Terrebonne Parish
Photos from storm chasers show rising water and storm surge flooding in Cocodrie, Louisiana, about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans. The town is in Terrebonne Parish, in the potential path of Francine's landfall.
Other hurricanes have made landfall in Cocodrie or very close by, including Zeta in 2021 and Gustav in 2008.
(4:33 p.m. ET) Drenching Rain In New Orleans
The Weather Channel's Justin Michaels is reporting from New Orleans.
"We’re in it now," Michaels said as rain poured down.
Water spewed from drainage systems and pooled on streets.
“It looks like the buildings are leaking," Michaels said.
See the video here.
(4:21 p.m. ET) 'Community Lighthouses' Ready To Open
A network of churches, community centers and health centers with off-grid power are ready to open if needed in Louisiana.
"Community Lighthouses are community facilities outfitted with solar and battery-storage microgrids, which island from the grid when there is an outage and can operate indefinitely as a response hub until power is restored," according to a social media post from Together New Orleans.
Nine are located in New Orleans and one is in the town of LaPlace.
(3:50 p.m. ET) 'The Window For Storm Preparations Has Closed'
From the Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness:
"The window for storm preparations has closed. We encourage everyone to stay in a safe location until the storm leaves the region. Even after Francine passes, stay off the roads as first responders, utility crews and others help with the recovery process."
(3:33 p.m. ET) Don't Leave Home In Grand Isle
Grand Isle, Louisiana, Mayor David Camardelle instituted a mandatory curfew starting as of 1 p.m. local time. Police will be on patrol to enforce the rule.
(3:26 p.m. ET) Hurricane Conditions Will Arrive Soon As Francine Nears Landfall
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From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:
Conditions are about to sharply deteriorate in southern Louisiana as Francine's dangerous eyewall comes ashore with dangerous wind gusts, storm surge and heavy rainfall. Hurricane conditions will arrive soon along the coast. This dangerous process of the eyewall coming ashore will last through the evening across eastern Louisiana, including in New Orleans.
Tropical storm conditions may continue in Louisiana into the early morning hours while the storm moves into Mississippi and Alabama. Gusty conditions, some tornadoes, and heavy rain will continue in those states on Thursday.
(3:09 p.m. ET) Oil Rig Clocks Wind Gusts At 100+ MPH
An oil platform off the coast of southwest Louisiana measured a wind gust of 112 mph as Francine moved closer. Sustained winds were clocked up to 92 mph.
(3:06 p.m. ET) Watch Out For High Water
Louisiana Department of Transportation crews posted high water signs at Kelso Bridge in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, ahead of the storm. The area is located on the Gulf Coast near the Texas state line and is under a storm surge warning. An earlier tropical storm warning was dropped in the last update from the National Hurricane Center.
(2:56 p.m. ET) New Orleans Airport Update: No More Flights Today
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport continues to plan to stay open for the day, but airlines serving the city canceled all flights after noon local time.
Some flights for tomorrow morning have also been canceled, according to the latest update from the airport.
(2:38 p.m. ET) Solar Power On The Way
From weather.com writer Nidhi Bhat:
A nonprofit called the Footprint Project is packing solar trailers and fully charged portable batteries to help communities with power outages after the storm.
(2:33 p.m. ET) President Biden Declares Emergency For Louisiana
From weather.com senior photo editor Nicole Bonaccorso:
President Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state of Louisiana Tuesday ahead of Francine. The declaration frees up federal assistance to the state for storm response, including FEMA, which will coordinate all disaster relief to those suffering impacts within the state.
(2:12 p.m. ET) Francine’s Tornado Threat
Landfalling storms like Francine can produce anywhere from just a few to dozens of tornadoes.
Take Hurricane Beryl in July. The storm brought at least 65 confirmed tornadoes, the most from any landfalling storm in 19 years.
Most tropical tornadoes are on the weak side, but can still cause damage so it’s important to pay attention to any severe weather warnings.
We’ve already got our first watch of the day, for areas in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Read this article from weather.com senior meteorologists Jonathan Erdman and Chris Dolce to learn more about tornadic hurricanes.
(1:45 p.m. ET) Tropical Storm Conditions Happening Now On Louisiana Coast
A just-released update from the National Hurricane Center says tropical storm conditions, which include sustained winds between 39 and mph, are now reaching parts of the Louisiana coast. Hurricane conditions are expected in the next few hours. The storm is currently located about 95 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, and about 155 miles southwest of New Orleans. Maximum sustained winds are 90 mph.
(1:38 p.m. ET) New Orleans Pumps Status Update
From weather.com senior news editor Dave Siff:
As Hurricane Francine nears a Louisiana landfall, a lot of eyes are on New Orleans’ drainage pumping system.
As of yesterday, 90 of the city’s 99 pumps were operating, according to the city’s Sewerage & Water Board. Numerous emergency pumps and backup generators are on standby.
Heavy rain was starting to fall at lunchtime in New Orleans. The city’s pumps can handle an inch of rain in the first hour of a storm event, and half an inch per hour after that, before street flooding may begin.
Francine could bring 8 inches of rain or more to the New Orleans area.
(1:11 p.m. ET) Shelter In Place Order In New Orleans
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell posted this message a short while ago on social media:
"By 11 AM, everyone in New Orleans should stay off the roads and shelter in place until tomorrow morning. Conditions will worsen throughout the day—stay safe!"
(12:55 p.m. ET) Gulfport Mayor: 'Sometimes After The Storm Is The Most Dangerous'
Gulfport, Mississippi, Mayor Billy Hewes says residents shouldn't let their guard down.
"If you don't have to get out, don't get out," he told The Weather Channel. "And make your proper preps no matter what size the storm is or what it looks like. Don't take anything for granted."
He noted the ground is already saturated, so flooding is a concern.
So is what comes tomorrow.
"You know that, sometimes, after the storm is the most dangerous time because you have gas mains that break, you have electric lines that could still be live, that are down, you have areas that may have floodwater still there and some folks think they can drive through them not knowing what the depth is or if the road is washed out," Hewes said.
"It's not over, always, the day after. Sometimes that's when the work begins."
(12:32 p.m. ET) Flight Delays Mount In New Orleans, Houston
About 170 flights to or from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport are canceled or delayed so far today, according to online tracker FlightAware.com
The airport plans to stay open unless conditions become unsafe, according to an update this morning. Travelers are advised to check with their airline before heading out for their flight.
More than 125 flights to or from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport are canceled or delayed.
Major airlines including Southwest, United and Delta are waiving change fees to those and other airports in the region.
(10:45 a.m. ET) Major Port Suspends Operations
Port Fourchon off the coast of Louisiana has moved to “Storm Phase 5,” or “Storm In Port” phase, ahead of the arrival of Francine. A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for areas south of the Leon Theriot floodgates. Marine traffic will be unable to access areas beyond the Ted Gisclair Floodgate in Larose and the Leon Theriot Lock in Golden Meadow.
The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) and the commercial ports of New Orleans, Cameron and Lake Charles made the same decision, according to Reuters.
These ports are major hubs for agriculture, oil and liquid natural gas transportation. As of 12:30 p.m. ET Tuesday, personnel were evacuated from a total of 130 oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico, or 35% of the Gulf’s manned platforms. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement estimated Tuesday, “That approximately 23.55% of the current oil production and 26.56% of the current natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico has been shut-in.”
(9:00 a.m. ET) How Far Will Francine’s Impacts Reach?
Even those living outside of the storm’s forecast cone may see impacts of Francine after it makes landfall. Francine is forecast to bring a tornado threat to Alabama, western Georgia and the panhandle of Florida. Heavy rain may impact the Southeast and the Tennessee Valley before moving into the Ohio Valley late-week. Still, of course, the highest flood and rain threat remains near the coastline.
(8:45 a.m. ET) Shelters Open In Multiple Louisiana Parishes
The parishes of Jefferson, Plaquemines, Lafourche, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne opened temporary shelters on Tuesday evening. St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Charles, St. James and Washington parishes opened shelters on Wednesday morning, advising residents to bring their own food, water and medicine.
(7:45 a.m. ET) Mapping Storm Surge
Hurricane Francine is expected to bring life-threatening levels of storm surge to the Gulf Coast. Per the latest advisory, the most dramatic storm surge will be seen along Vermilion Bay in Louisiana where up to 10 feet of surge is forecast.
(7:00 a.m. ET) New Orleans Bus, Streetcar And Ferry Service Modified
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority announced that Wednesday bus and streetcar service will operate on a reduced schedule. Authorities will monitor conditions for Thursday before making an announcement about bus and streetcar service restoration. Ferry services have been suspended until further notice. The agency will provide service updates here.
(6:30 a.m. ET) NOLA Public Schools To Close, Dismiss Early
NOLA Public Schools announced that all schools, and the school board’s Central Office, will be closed today and Thursday due to Francine’s expected landfall. On Tuesday, schools dismissed students early to allow families more time to prepare for the storm. On reopening, officials said, “District leaders will assess the impact of the storm on Thursday and share reopening plans once evaluations are complete.”
(5:30 a.m. ET) Impacts Will Arrive Well Ahead Of Landfall
While Hurricane Francine’s official landfall is expected sometime this afternoon or evening, impacts will arrive well ahead of then. At 5 a.m. ET, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory warning of life-threatening storm surge and hurricane force winds expected to begin in Louisiana later today. The storm was located about 245 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, moving at about 10 mph.
(5 a.m. ET) Hurricane Francine Is 2024’s Sixth Named Storm
We started the season with Alberto in July, a tropical storm that caused minimal impacts to the U.S.
Then came Hurricane Beryl, which set a record for its early-season intensity. Beryl hammered parts of the Caribbean before making landfall along the Texas coast, bringing high winds, storm surge and tornadoes with it.
Hurricane Chris was barely a blip on the radar in late June.
Then came Debby with torrential rainfall and flooding in parts of Florida, and Hurricane Ernesto which made landfall in Bermuda.
(4:30 a.m. ET) Mississippi Under State Of Emergency
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency yesterday. "This will allow us to mobilize state assets, and respond as necessary," the state leader wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Shelters are open, or near opening, in Harrison, Hanco*ck, Jackson, Pearl River and Pike counties. Voluntary evacuations are in place for low-lying areas as flash flooding is a significant concern when Francine’s outer bands begin to hit the state.
(4:00 a.m. ET) Louisiana’s Infamous Hurricane History
Louisiana has experienced some of the strongest hurricanes in U.S. history, including Katrina, Laura and Rita. In all, 57 hurricanes have tracked over or made landfall in Louisiana since the mid-19th century. And don’t forget 2020, when three hurricanes made landfall in the state over a span of about two months..
Weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman writes more here.
Based in New York, Weather.com reporter Tim Harris is a digital journalist with a broad reporting portfolio that spans environmental science, lifestyle topics and breaking news.
