Louisiana Braces as Intensifying Francine Threatens Coast

Tropical Storm Francine is expected to intensify into a hurricane and hit Louisiana with life-threatening winds, rains, and storm surges. Residents are evacuating, and oil companies are halting production. The storm will test newly built LNG plants, and several ports and terminals have initiated emergency protocols.

Tropical Storm Francine is intensifying and expected to become a hurricane by Tuesday, prompting Louisianans to evacuate and leading oil and gas firms to halt Gulf production. Authorities warn of life-threatening conditions such as strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges up to 10 feet.

The storm is projected to accelerate off northeastern Mexico and southern Texas coasts before striking near Cameron, Louisiana. The impact will challenge recently established LNG export facilities, causing energy companies to evacuate offshore workers and stop production ahead of Francine's arrival.

Louisiana contributes 15% to U.S. oil output and 2% to natural gas production, pushing natural gas prices up by over 2% due to shut-in concerns. Despite this, global oil demand worries pushed U.S. crude futures down by more than 5%. Refineries along Louisiana's coast are enacting hurricane protocols, with major operations like Citgo and Kinder Morgan preparing for the storm.

(With inputs from agencies.)