Hurricane Francine Threatens Gulf Coast: Emergency Declarations and Evacuations in Place

Hurricane Francine approaches New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, prompting emergency declarations and evacuations. With sustained winds reaching 75 mph, the storm's potential for devastation recalls memories of Hurricane Katrina. Oil and gas production halted as officials brace for storm surges and torrential rains. Federal and state authorities mobilize for effective response.

Hurricane Francine is bearing down on New Orleans and the wider Gulf Coast, extending as far east as the Alabama and Florida border. The impending storm has already resulted in a shutdown of a quarter of oil and gas production in the Gulf, with several Louisiana parishes issuing evacuation orders.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm's anticipated landfall just west of New Orleans on Wednesday afternoon. He warned of torrential rainfall, damaging winds, and potential tornadoes, while U.S. President Joe Biden declared a federal state of emergency to expedite relief efforts.

Several Gulf Coast parishes mandated evacuations, and the state transportation department provided evacuation maps. New Orleans set up five sites for sandbag distribution. The U.S. National Hurricane Center issued a Hurricane Warning, citing the expected damaging and life-threatening winds in southern Louisiana. Initially classified as a tropical storm, Francine was upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane when winds reached 75 mph. Potential storm surges of up to 15 feet are anticipated, with a possibility of the hurricane reaching Category 2 strength.

The storm prompted extensive shutdowns of Gulf of Mexico platforms, reducing energy production by about a quarter. The region, which contributes significantly to U.S. oil and natural gas output, also faces tests to its LNG export plants. The looming storm brings back somber memories of Hurricane Katrina, the 2005 disaster that caused massive loss of life and economic damage in Louisiana.

(With inputs from agencies.)