8:57 a.m.: The rains have exited Southeast Louisiana and the winds continue to subside this morning following Francine’s overnight impacts. Francine was downgraded to a tropical storm.
Francine’s large eyewall … and the persistence of that northern sections of the eyewall made for more damage and a bigger hurricane and tropical-storm footprint than originally expected, according to Louisiana’s State Climatologist Jay Grimes.
10:53 p.m.: Numerous roads are blocked due to downed trees, debris and power lines following Hurricane Francine. DOTD crews will begin roadway assessments and cleanup operations as soon as conditions allow. Due to hazardous debris and ongoing risks, drivers are strongly advised not to get out until it is deemed safe.
Many traffic signals aren’t working. A non-functioning signal should be treated as a four-way stop.
- US 61 NB between LA 22 and I-10 is closed due to multiple trees down in the roadway. All lanes are closed.
- I-10 at mile marker 181 near 941 is closed due to a fallen tree. All lanes are closed
In Assumption Parish, 80% of the nearly 10,500 customers are without power tonight from Hurricane Francine’s effects. The vast majority of these are Entergy customers.
7:46 p.m.: Entergy is reporting 160,000 outages statewide.
DEMCO is reporting 16,204 outages.
6:31 p.m.: DEMCO is reporting 4,506 outages from the following parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa and West Feliciana.
Entergy reports 92,878 outages statewide.
Livingston Parish dealing with trees down
5:45 p.m.: Trees are coming down in Livingston Parish as it begins to feel impacts from Francine after its landfall in Louisiana.
Hwy 16 between Port Vincent and Coyell Bay is completely blocked by a tree in the road.
The Denham Springs Police Department cleared a tree off River Road in Denham Springs on Wednesday evening and is continuing to remove limbs and trees from roads. Officers remind residents to be aware of curfew and stay off the roads if at all possible.
Source: Denham Springs Police Department Facebook
Curfews issued for Iberville Parish, City of Zachary
5:30 p.m.: Zachary Police Chief Darryl Lawrence Sr. has issued a curfew from 7:30 p.m. Wednesday until 7 a.m. Thursday for the entire city.
5:36 p.m.: Iberville Parish has issued a curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday. Only essential travel, including emergency responders and personnel, is permitted.
LSU cancels remote classes for Thursday
5:11 p.m.: LSU cancels Thursday remote classes and will keep campus closed on Thursday, Sept. 12. The campus is under a shelter in place order until 1 p.m. Thursday.
The Law Center, the School of Veterinary Medicine and LSU Online will reach out to their students and employees separately with instructions about Thursday.
Get full list of school closures here
Francine makes landfall in Terrebonne Parish
5 p.m.: Hurricane Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish around 5 p.m. Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane, per the National Hurricane Center. Landfall happened about 30 miles southwest of Morgan City.
Donaldsonville issues updates to closures
4:45 p.m.: Hwy. 1 North in Donaldsonville from Hwy. 405 to the parish line will be closed to traffic in both directions due to power lines down.
Mayor Leroy Sullivan reported that city hall will be closed Thursday, Sept. 12.
Prevost Memorial Hospital in Donaldsonville is currently operating on generator power.
Francine’s landfall to occur in next few hours
4 p.m.: Hurricane Francine gained speed and strengthened to a Category 2 Wednesday afternoon. The storm is expected to make landfall along the Louisiana coast within the next few hours, per the National Hurricane Center, which is sooner than originally predicted.
Earlier reports from the Air Force Hurricane Hunters indicate the eyewall is better defined, with wind speeds up to 100 mph.
After landfall, the National Hurricane Center expects Francine to make a gradual turn toward the north that will bring the center across southeastern Louisiana and southwestern and central Mississippi on Thursday.
Gonzales implements dusk to dawn curfew & opens shelter of last resort
3:53 p.m.: The City of Gonzales and the Gonzales Police Dept. have issued a dusk to dawn curfew, effective today.
Ascension Parish Government has opened a shelter of last resort at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Gym, located at 9039 S. St. Landry Avenue. Residents should plan to arrive prior to the curfew period.
Livingston Parish issues dusk to dawn curfew effective immediately
Hurricane Francine is just hours from landfall now and in preparation for its landfall along the I-10/I-12 corridor, Livingston Parish officials have just issued a dusk to dawn curfew, effective immediately.
“Please, essential traffic only, meaning emergency responders and essential personnel, if you’re traveling to or from work or for other essential reasons, you’re good. For everyone else, please stay off the roads,” said Parish President Randy Delatte.
Here’s why this is important
- The storm will create severe hazards: flooding, debris, and downed power lines. These conditions are dangerous, and we need the roads clear for emergency response AND to get your power back on.
- Emergency teams need clear roads to do their jobs. This isn’t about restricting freedoms; it’s about being smart and encouraging common sense.
Here are the latest updates from officials on the storm:
St. Helena closes office, initiates curfew
12:30 p.m.: St. Helena has enacted a mandatory curfew starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday until further notice.
A shelter of last resort opened this morning at the 5th Ward Multiple PUrpose Center (31676 Hwy. 16).
Port Allen: Essential traffic only after 1 p.m.
12:25 p.m.: Similar to other cities, Port Allen has said that residents should be off roadways by 1 p.m. Police say that only essential traffic will be allowed on roadways after that time.
State updates ahead of storm:
11:32 a.m. – Jay Grymes Update:
Tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive early this afternoon, followed by hurricane-force winds shortly after. Rainfall totals have slightly decreased. Now is the time to complete any last-minute preparations.
11:34 a.m. – Fire Marshal on Generator Safety:
Keep generators 15-20 feet away from windows and exterior walls. Allow them to cool for 15-20 minutes before refueling.
11:36 a.m. – Louisiana National Guard:
Forces are being repositioned to southeast Louisiana in preparation for the storm.
11:37 a.m. – DOTD Update:
Currently, four roads in Louisiana are closed. Avoid driving through standing water, especially in St. Mary Parish and coastal areas. For details, visit 511la.org.
11:38 a.m. – Louisiana State Police:
400 troopers have been deployed across the state. Please check in with loved ones by phone to ensure they have what they need, and maintain contact throughout the storm.
11:40 a.m. – Governor Landry Reminder:
Governor Landry encourages residents to download the “Get a Game Plan Louisiana” app, which provides real-time updates and important information specific to your area from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Walker: Essential traffic only after 1 p.m.
9:45 a.m.: The Walker Police Department is telling residents to stay off the roads after 1 p.m. Wednesday.
Tennessee Task Force sets up in St. George, ready to respond after Francine
9:40 a.m.: Emergency officials from Tennessee are staged in St. George ahead of Hurricane Francine.
“We may be a new city but this is certainly not our first rodeo,” the city posted on Facebook. “It is a privilege to be welcoming Tennessee Task Force 1 as they coordinate with St. George Fire and City officials to provide resources as we navigate this storm.”
Pre-made sandbags available in Livingston Parish for handicapped and elderly residents
9:25 a.m.: Sheriff Jason Ard says that pre-made sandbags are available for pickup this morning for handicapped and elderly residents in Livingston Parish.
The sandbags are available at the LPSO Training Facility (29225 Woodside Dr., Walker).
“We’re prepared” | Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome gives storm update on NBC News Now
9:15 a.m.: East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome told NBC News Now on Wednesday that Baton Rouge is prepared for Hurricane Francine.
Broome stated that the stormwater management measures implemented in recent years have helped the city-parish reduce major issues during hurricanes.
Her message to residents is to “stay calm” and remain home, avoiding the roads as the hurricane moves through the Baton Rouge metro area.
Ponchatoula implements 9 a.m. curfew
9:10 a.m.: The city of Ponchatoula has implemented a curfew beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Shelters of last resort set up in Iberville Parish
8:05 a.m.: Iberville Parish has set up two shelters of last resort for residents during Hurricane Francine. Shelters at the White Castle Community Center and St. Gabriel Community Center will open at 10 a.m. Wednesday. No pets are allowed.
Flights in and out of Baton Rouge, New Orleans impacted by Francine
8 a.m.: Flights in and out of the Baton Rouge Metro Airport have been canceled. According to flybtr.com, the last flight departing BTR will be DL3174 which is leaving for Atlanta at 10:20 a.m. Later departure flights have been canceled.
The last flight landing in Baton Rouge is DL3174, which is scheduled to land at 9:30 a.m. Later flights arriving in Baton Rouge have been canceled.
It’s a similar story at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport where 130 cancellations were made by airlines at MSY.
LSU shelter in place remains in effect
7:30 a.m.: The LSU Emergency Operations Center has been tracking Hurricane Francine and the arrival appears to be tracking later than expected. As a result, LSU dining will be able to operate the 459 Commons and The 5 dining halls to provide brunch between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. with grab-and-go options for you to take for that evening’s dinner. Meals will be available for all residential students regardless of whether you have purchased a meal plan or not.
The campus shelter in place remains in effect, so we urge you to go to the dining halls earlier versus later to avoid deteriorating weather outside. If you need assistance securing food, please contact your in-hall professional residence coordinator, or your RA.
As we track the hurricane’s progress, final details on Thursday’s dining operations will be shared on Wednesday.
‘Life-threatening’ storm surge and hurricane-force winds expected to begin in Louisiana later today
7:00 a.m.: Hurricane Francine stregnthened and became better organized overnight as the storm continues to barrel toward Louisiana.
Radar data and earlier reports from the Air Force Hurricane Hunters indicate the eyewall is better defined, with deep convection wrapping around the center of the hurricane. The storm continues moving northeastward, however, a slightly faster northeastward motion is forecast today and tonight.
Read the latest advisory from the NHC
Iberville Parish officials say they have given out 40,000 sandbags since Monday.
7 p.m.: Parish officials say there are still over 15 locations where residents can pick up sandbags spread throughout Iberville Parish.
Those facilities are located at:
- St. Gabriel Town Hall – 5035 Iberville St.
- St. Gabriel – Corner of Bayou Paul Ln. and Bayou Paul Rd.
- East Iberville Fire Department – 2075 Hwy 30
- Bayou Sorrel Old Fire Station – 32275 Hwy 75
- Bayou Pigeon Old Fire Station – 38305 Hwy 75
- Little Farms Rd. – 66199 Little Farms Rd.
- Maringouin Maintenance Facility – 10685 2nd St.
- Grosse Tete Town Hall – 18125 Willow St.
- Rosedale Old Depot – 15201 Depot St.
- White Castle Fire Station #3 – 57660 Hwy 404
- St. John Baptist Church – 31925 Lacroix Rd.
- Bayou Goula Park – 56930 CPL Herman Brown Jr. Street
- Seymourville Pavillion – 58435 Barrow St.
- Ochsner Facility – 25455 Hwy 1
Ascension Parish lowers water levels in preparation for Hurricane Francine
5 p.m.: Ascension Parish officials continue preparing for the arrival of Francine by drawing down water levels upstream of multiple pumping stations across the parish.
The biggest pumping station in that area of Ascension is the Marvin Braud Station.
Ron Savoy, Public Works Director for Ascension Parish, says the Marvin Braud pumping station and all Ascension stations are active and working to ensure residents within the Marvin Braud Basin stay dry.
“We actually started pumping Marvin Braud (station) on Thursday of last week because of the rain events of the weekend,” Savoy said. “What we are doing here is creating flood capacities pre-storm for Francine in preparation of any high rainfall events we’re told that come with the storm.”
With the pump active, Savoy said residents of Assumption Parish should see a steady drawdown of waterways across the parish.
“We’re already at drought-like conditions. We’ll maintain that and maybe even go a little bit lower. Tomorrow you’ll see a little more water flow into the channels throughout the parish coming into the pumping stations and as these rain bands start to hit, we’ll adjust our pump rates accordingly.”
Ascension Parish lowers water levels in preparation for Hurricane Francine
Ponchatoula closes city hall and issues curfew for Wednesday
3 p.m.: Ponchatoula City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 11, however maintenance and the mayor will be on site to assist with any last-minute needs.
There will be a city-wide curfew starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday that will be in effect until further notice.
Lamar-Dixon taking stall reservations to shelter livestock
2:50 p.m.: The Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales is now accepting livestock to shelter in anticipation of Francine. Ascension Parish residents will be allowed to transport their horses and cattle to Lamar-Dixon by appointment only beginning Tuesday until 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 7 a.m. until noon.
To reserve a stall and for more information, call (225) 450-1009. Owners are responsible for care and feeding.
EBR suspends garbage & recycling services Wednesday
2:50 p.m.: East Baton Rouge Parish is suspending all garbage, recycling, and out-of-cart trash collection on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Collections will resume on the next regularly scheduled day.
The North Landfill and Starwood Court Collection Facility will also be closed on Wednesday.
Plaquemine closes city offices Wednesday
1:57 p.m.: The City of Plaquemine offices will be closed on Wednesday, however, essential employees will be at critical operations locations or on call during and after the storm. The city will not have an emergency evacuation center available for residents due to not having generator power at the facilities. Residents are asked to check out the Iberville Parish Facebook page for more information about decisions on evacuation centers.
Voluntary evacuation for Assumption Parish
1:19 p.m.: Assumption Parish is issuing a voluntary evacuation for the entire parish. They are urging those in low-lying areas, mobile homes, RVs and substandard structures to utilize a shelter being established starting Wednesday morning.
Republic Services not running Wednesday
1:05 p.m. Republic Services is suspending operations for Wednesday. The company says that services normally provided on Wednesday will be recovered on the next regularly scheduled service day.
As of now, for Thursday, the company is expecting a late start.
Livingston Parish emergency declaration
12:26 p.m.: Due to the potential severe weather associated with Tropical Storm Francine, the Livingston Parish Government has officially issued a Declaration of Emergency.
Iberville Parish government offices closing
12:23 p.m.: Iberville Parish Government offices will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 11, due to Francine. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Stay updated with local weather stations and our Facebook page for more updates.
Grosse Tete pedestrian ferry closure
12:20 p.m.: The Grosse Tete pedestrian ferry will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday and will remain closed through Wednesday. We will keep you updated on operating hours for Thursday.
Get notifications by registering your mobile number: 225-687-5140
BRCC transitions to remote work and virtual classes
11:40 a.m.: Due to the impending impact of Tropical Storm Francine, BRCC will transition to remote work and virtual classes starting at noon on Tuesday, September 10.
All BRCC campuses will be closed, and all classes, events, and activities will be cancelled on Wednesday, September 11, and Thursday, September 12.
LIST: Schools closed ahead of Tropical Storm Francine
Update on state preps for Francine
11:55.m.: No updates from GOHSEP expected until Wednesday afternoon
11:43 a.m.: National Guard is mobilizing; deploying across coastal parishes and parts of southeast Louisiana. Right now, focus is on highwater vehicles and boats to help with search and rescue missions. National Guard is also staging tarps, meals and water.
11:40 a.m.: Gov. Landry says Get a Game Plan Louisiana app has information for specific areas; app will inform you in real time from Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Prepardness.
11:38 a.m.: 7,500 additional linemen on standby to activate following the storm
11:37 a.m.: State officials say most nursing homes plan to shelter in place during the storm.
11:35 a.m.: State AG warns of price gouging. If people see price gouging they should call the police and share as much information as possible, including the merchant’s name, address and phone number, the price and receipt of the item or service.
Brusly closing Town Hall
11:30: Town of Brusly is closing its Town hall Wednesday. All Republic Services operations will be suspended Wednesday and are expected a late start on Thursday morning.
Curfew set for town of Amite
Due to the pending impact of a hurricane, the Town of Amite City is instituting a curfew as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 10. The curfew will be in place until 6 a.m.
“Everyone is asked to stay off the streets except for essential or emergency employees.”
State office close ahead of Francine
All state offices will close statewide Wednesday, Sept. 11. This office closure applies to all non-essential employees including those authorized to work from home. Employees in areas under an evacuation order should seek further guidance from their supervisors.
Get full list of school closures here
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