Tropical Storm Francine has brought severe flooding and strong winds to southern Louisiana, making roads impassable and causing widespread power outages that left hundreds of thousands without electricity early Thursday. This storm marks Louisiana’s first hurricane landfall since 2021 and the third U.S. landfall this year, the highest number since 2020. Here’s the latest update:
Francine Weakens as It Moves Through Louisiana:
By early Thursday, Francine's center was about 60 miles north of New Orleans, advancing northeast at 12 mph. After making landfall in Terrebonne Parish as a Category 2 hurricane late Wednesday, the storm weakened to a tropical storm by late that night. Maximum sustained winds dropped from 100 mph at landfall to 45 mph by early Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to continue weakening as it moves through west-central Mississippi into the Mid-South on Thursday and Friday, likely becoming a tropical depression by late Thursday and a post-tropical cyclone by Thursday night or early Friday.
Flooding in the New Orleans Area:
The New Orleans region received 6-8 inches of rain, prompting a brief flash flood emergency on Wednesday night due to potential catastrophic damage and threats to life. Although no additional rain was anticipated early Thursday, the area was already experiencing significant flash flooding. Of the 99 drainage pump systems in New Orleans, 90 are operational. In St. James Parish, where 4-6 inches of rain fell, residents were advised to avoid the streets as floodwaters entered homes. Jefferson Parish officials also urged residents to remain indoors due to severe street flooding. In Morgan City, residents were asked to stay inside because of unusual flooding levels.
Strong Winds Impact the Region:
Tropical storm warnings were in effect early Thursday for a stretch from Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the Alabama-Florida state line, including the New Orleans metro area. Heavy rains and gusty winds affected New Orleans, with sustained winds of 37 mph and gusts reaching 47 mph reported at Lakefront Airport. The weather service in New Orleans noted consistent gusts of 55-65 mph across the metro area and higher gusts to the southwest, advising residents to shelter in place and stay away from windows.
Rescues and Emergency Responses:
Deputies in Lafourche Parish rescued 26 residents trapped in flooded homes Wednesday night. The sheriff’s office has increased its presence in the parish, where many areas are without power, and a curfew is in effect until 10 a.m. Thursday.
Damage to Infrastructure:
Downed trees and power lines have been reported across several parishes along Louisiana’s coastline. Terrebonne Parish experienced power outages and fallen trees, while Lafourche Parish reported street flooding and over 25,000 power outages. St. James Parish saw downed power lines and damaged structures, while Jefferson Parish officials urged residents to conserve water due to an overwhelmed sewer system.
Widespread Power Outages:
As of early Thursday, over 380,000 utility customers were without power, with some southern parishes experiencing outages affecting more than half of their utility customers. AT&T and T-Mobile customers across a broad area faced issues with 911 services, though this has since been resolved.
Tornadoes Possible:
Tornadoes are a potential threat through Wednesday night in parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, with a tornado watch in effect until 6 a.m. On Thursday, the tornado risk will extend into parts of Alabama, southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. Additionally, dangerous surf and rip conditions are expected along the northern Gulf Coast.
Rainfall Totals in the South:
Flood watches cover more than 10 million people across the Southern U.S. Francine is anticipated to bring total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts up to 12 inches in southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night.
Airport and Transportation Disruptions:
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport canceled all flights Wednesday and some for Thursday morning. The airport is monitoring conditions and will remain open unless safety becomes a concern. A Carnival cruise scheduled to return to New Orleans Thursday has been delayed due to the storm.
College Campus Closures:
Several Louisiana universities and colleges, including Louisiana State University, Nunez Community College, and Tulane University, have closed campuses or shifted to remote classes due to the severe weather.
Monitoring Future Tropical Threats:
Forecasters are keeping an eye on four other areas for potential tropical development. One area west of the Cabo Verde islands has a high chance of developing into at least a tropical depression in the coming days, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Louisiana Residents Recover from Series of Devastating Hurricanes
Tropical Storm Francine has struck Louisiana at a time when residents are still reeling from the impacts of several powerful storms over the past few years.
This past weekend, the 22-story Hertz Tower, long abandoned due to severe damage from multiple hurricanes, was demolished. The tower’s destruction underscores the ongoing struggle faced by the region.
In 2020, Hurricane Laura wreaked havoc on Lake Charles in southwest Louisiana. The Category 4 storm's powerful winds destroyed homes, overturned large vehicles, uprooted trees, and caused widespread power outages, resulting in at least six fatalities. Shortly after, Hurricane Delta compounded the damage, followed by a deadly ice storm that winter.
The following year, Hurricane Ida, another Category 4 storm, brought chaos to southern Louisiana, particularly around New Orleans. Ida unleashed over 10 inches of rain and storm surges reaching 14 feet, exacerbating the region's challenges.
Coy Verdin, a resident of Terrebonne Parish, shared with the Associated Press that he had just completed rebuilding his home from Hurricane Ida’s damage about a month ago. "We had to gut the whole house," he said. Despite considering relocating further inland, Verdin remains committed to staying in his current home. He planned to ride out Francine with his daughter in Thibodaux, about 50 minutes away, but chose to stay close to monitor his property.
The impact of Hurricanes Laura and Ida highlights how human-caused climate change is intensifying hurricane severity, leaving Louisiana’s infrastructure and residents increasingly vulnerable. Many are still awaiting financial relief or engaged in legal disputes with insurance companies.
Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Louisiana has experienced 12 hurricanes, more than any other state in that period.
In preparation for Francine, New Orleans invested heavily in infrastructure improvements, according to Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She emphasized the city's preparedness due to these investments and urged residents to "hunker down" during the storm.
Orleans Parish Communications District Director Karl Fashold noted enhancements to the city’s emergency communications system, stating that the 911 service is now more reliable than ever, with additional staff handling calls.
The city distributed approximately 2,500 sandbags and set up emergency resource centers to provide supplies, shelter, and assistance. Officials warned residents to avoid downed power lines, flooded roads, and driving near Lake Pontchartrain.
Homeland Security Director Collin Arnold also reminded residents of the importance of using generators safely and outside of homes, citing the tragic loss of life due to improper generator use during Hurricane Ida.
Contributors to this report include CNN’s Taylor Romine, Rachel Ramirez, Robert Shackelford, Elizabeth Wolfe, Taylor Ward, Sara Smart, Brandon Miller, Mary Gilbert, Chris Boyette, Amanda Musa, and Melissa Alonso.
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