UPDATE: Francine expected to hit Louisiana as a hurricane

New Orleans officials provide updates on preparations for Tropical Storm Francine, which is expected to hit Louisiana as a hurricane Wednesday.

According to the National Hurricane Center, there is a "danger of life-threatening" storm surge for parts of Upper Texas and Louisiana coastlines.

Tropical Storm Francine is getting stronger and better organized in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to threaten the U.S. Gulf Coast this week with flooding rain, a life-threatening storm surge and damaging winds.

The current National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast calls for a dangerous Category 2 hurricane landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday evening.

Texas, Louisiana begin preparing for Francine

As Francine approaches the Texas coast, Shell has taken precautionary measures by pausing drilling operations at its Perdido and Whale offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico – both of which lie directly in the storm's path.

In about 8,000 feet of water, Shell's Perdido offshore drilling and production platform is the world's deepest offshore rig.

FILE – In about 8,000 feet of water, Shell's Perdido offshore drilling and production platform is the world's deepest offshore rig.

In Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Anthony Bartie issued an emergency declaration Monday ahead of Francine. The declaration activates emergency response plans and protocols throughout the parish, including DeQuincy, Iowa, Lake Charles, Sulphur, Vinton and Westlake.

Calcasieu's Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Jared Maze is urging residents to be ready, especially those living in low-lying areas or mobile homes, and is encouraging them to be prepared to evacuate if needed. Sandbagging stations have also been established throughout the state.

In Baton Rouge, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome says she has been in constant contact with the National Weather Service, along with local and state officials as preparations are made for Francine's landfall.

"This storm is expected to bring threats of heavy rain, gusty to damaging winds and possibly a few tornadoes," she said. "I want to encourage everyone to make preparations now."

Francine, which had been known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Six, comes as we enter the peak of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Right on schedule, forecasters are tracking multiple areas of concern for potential development this week.

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