Hurricane Francine: Flash flood emergency issued in New Orleans as storm intensifies

Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, at 6 pm ET as a Category 2 storm, before weakening to Category 1. Despite the downgrade, the storm triggered a flash flood emergency in New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner, as residents were urged to seek higher ground.

According to the video that surfaced on social media shows a live broadcast captured a dramatic moment during the emergency when a pickup truck drove into floodwaters, got stuck, and began sinking, showcasing the severity of the situation.

🚨🇺🇸 FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY DECLARED IN NEW ORLEANS AS HURRICANE FRANCINE HITS

Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, at 6 p.m. ET as a Category 2 storm, weakening to Category 1 soon after.

A flash flood emergency was declared in New Orleans, Metairie, and… pic.twitter.com/m4udYzbPWZ

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 12, 2024

Governors of Louisiana and Mississippi both declared states of emergency as the storm poses a significant flood threat to coastal areas. New Orleans and surrounding regions faced intense rain and winds on Wednesday night. The National Weather Service issued warnings about "life-threatening conditions" as Francine made its way inland after lashing the Louisiana coastline.

Initially a Category 2 storm with winds reaching 100 mph, Francine weakened to Category 1 with 75 mph winds. However, it still caused widespread damage, leaving behind downed power lines, uprooted trees, and over 260,000 residents without power across Louisiana.

Storm intensifies before landfall

Just an hour before landfall, the National Hurricane Center reported Francine had intensified to Category 2, a development that had not been predicted earlier. This sudden change escalated the threat to coastal regions, including New Orleans.

8 pm CDT - Hurricane #Francine is producing heavy rains and gusty winds across New Orleans. Stay inside and away from windows and have multiple ways to receive warnings and updates. Next forecast will be issued by 10 pm CDT. Visit https://t.co/tW4KeGe9uJ pic.twitter.com/IN71iMnQbY

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) September 12, 2024

New Orleans hit with heavy rains

Although the storm’s center veered west of New Orleans, the city remained vulnerable, particularly from the torrential rain that threatened the region's largest population center. A flash flood emergency, the highest alert level, was issued late Wednesday.

Federal response and state preparation

President Biden approved a federal emergency declaration for Louisiana, following a request by Gov. Jeff Landry. The governor, who has previously dismissed climate change as a “hoax,” now faces the challenge of managing this intense hurricane.

Mississippi residents also prepared for the storm’s arrival, while tornadoes were forecasted to strike southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Houston, spared this time, had already suffered from a hurricane earlier in the season.

Apart from this, Louisiana universities, including LSU, Tulane, and Xavier, transitioned to remote classes due to the hurricane. Campuses remained closed, with institutions planning to resume normal operations once conditions stabilize.