Storm Francine, which is expected to become a hurricane on Tuesday evening, September 10, is heading toward Louisiana. U.S. authorities have warned it could cause dangerous flooding there on Wednesday.
Currently located in the western Gulf of Mexico, the storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday in Louisiana as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane. It could cause up to 30 centimeters of rain in parts of this southern US state, warned the National Hurricane Center (CNH).
This could lead to flash flooding, including in the New Orleans region devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Residents in the city were stocking up on water and fuel on Tuesday, according to local television images.
Evacuation orders in many localities
Coastal flooding could reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) above ground level, NHC Director Michael Brennan warned Tuesday. Coasts in Texas and Mississippi will also be affected, but to a lesser extent.
“Francine will act fairly quickly”Brennan said, adding that heavy rains were already affecting parts of Louisiana on Tuesday. The state has asked President Joe Biden to approve a state of emergency declaration, according to Gov. Jeff Landry. Many localities have been ordered to evacuate. “You’ll probably want to be safe tonight.”Michael Brennan called, advising residents to, for example, cover their windows.
The North Atlantic hurricane season runs from early June to late November. This season has already been marked by three hurricanes, including Beryl and Debby, which have caused dozens of deaths.
