Francine, a category 2 hurricane, made landfall and has since weakened to a tropical depression, causing flooding and wind damage along the way. The storm is expected to continue to weaken as it tracks across Mississippi and the mid-south. The National Weather Service reported that maximum sustained winds have decreased to 35 miles per hour and the storm is forecast to become a post-tropical cyclone.
Louisiana experienced 6-8 inches of rain, causing a flash flood emergency warning. While the rainfall in Louisiana has decreased, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle are now facing heavy rainfall and possible wind gusts. Tornadoes are also a concern in the region.
No deaths or injuries have been reported, but there have been several rescues in areas where families were trapped by rising water. Power outages have affected over 390,000 people in Louisiana, with additional outages in Mississippi and Alabama.
Classes at Louisiana State University have been held remotely due to the storm, and a curfew is in place in LaFourche parish until 10am local time. Officials are urging residents in affected areas to conserve water and stay indoors due to sewage concerns. Storm surge warnings are in effect for various areas along the Gulf Coast.
Overall, Francine has left a trail of damage in its path, particularly in Louisiana, where the storm made landfall with winds of 100mph. In New Orleans, the storm brought torrential rains and led to flash flooding in several areas. Recovery efforts are underway as officials assess the full extent of the damage caused by the storm.
Source
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