What to know about Francine today
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New Orleans may get more of this storm than forecasters previously thought.
The big picture: The track continued to shift east last night, edging closer to us and Baton Rouge.
- New Orleans is now under a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning ahead of Francine's landfall later today.
- The National Weather Service is predicting tropical-storm-force winds with gusts up to 60 mph in the city. That's strong enough to damage roofs, snap trees and knock out power.
- Tornadoes and up to six inches of rain are also possible.
Threat level: Francine intensified overnight into a strong Category 1 hurricane. It's forecast to be a Cat 2 at landfall near Morgan City.
What he's saying: "Storms wobble. It's what they do," Gov. Jeff Landry said yesterday, adding that he's confident the state's resources are still pre-positioned in the best places to help.
- NOPD, NOFD and the Louisiana National Guard are among those deploying boats and high-water vehicles.
Timing: The winds are expected to reach New Orleans early this afternoon into the evening, NWS says.
Zoom in: President Biden issued a federal emergency declaration last night at Landry's request.
- Mayor LaToya Cantrell also signed an emergency proclamation.
Closures: Officials are asking Louisianans to stay off the roads today. Many places are closed, including government buildings and Audubon Zoo.
- Most schools are canceled, too. Full list from WWL.
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The vibe in New Orleans and Metairie yesterday was cautiously optimistic, with a hint of "you just never know."
What she said: "I was feeling really good, which is unfortunate for the folks to the west of us, but now I don't know," New Aurora resident Tammy Crumpton told Chelsea as she piled half a dozen sandbags into the trunk of her car.
- Crumpton hadn't planned to leave but said the option was back on the table because she worried about how unpleasant New Orleans can be after a storm.
- "When I see this is coming at us, we may have to deal with flooding, but we also have to deal with infrastructure," she said.