Hurricane Francine Threatens Gulf Coast

Hurricane Francine threatens New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, prompting evacuations and shutting down a quarter of oil and gas production. The Category 1 storm, packing winds of 90 mph, is expected to make landfall in Louisiana, triggering storm surges and heavy rainfall. Authorities urge residents to take precautions.

Hurricane Francine threatened New Orleans and the wider Gulf Coast on Wednesday, causing a halt to a quarter of oil and gas production in the Gulf while Louisiana parishes issued evacuation orders ahead of predicted harsh winds and torrential rains. The hurricane was located about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, moving northeast with winds reaching 90 mph (145 kph), as per the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Though a Category 1 hurricane, the lowest on the Saffir-Simpson scale, Francine remains perilous and demands proactive measures. It was anticipated to hit south-central Louisiana by Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, declaring a state of emergency in anticipation, recommended residents to stay safe in their homes.

"It is on our doorstep. After the storm is over, please remain in place," he emphasized. The service issued warnings about deteriorating daytime conditions, with some coastal areas facing 10-foot (3-meter) storm surges. Residents were advised to complete preparations urgently and shelter in place overnight.

Storm surge alerts were extended to the Gulf Coast regions of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. In Cameron Parish, 200 miles (322 km) west of New Orleans, a local store remained open briefly for last-minute supplies, but saw no clients. "The store is open, but we have no customers," a worker stated. "Everyone ran out of town." In Morgan City, located 115 miles (185 km) east, a curfew was imposed until 6 a.m. Thursday.

President Joe Biden declared a federal state of emergency for Louisiana to hasten relief and rescue operations. Memories of Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the region in 2005, prompted mandatory evacuations and distribution of sandbags. New Orleans charity, Below Sea Level Aid, ceased distributing supplies due to the storm's proximity but planned to resume aid after its passage.

The storm threatens significant rainfall, with predictions of 4 to 8 inches and isolated totals up to 12 inches. Fisherman Barry Rogers of Dulac planned to weather the storm on his shrimp boat, prioritizing its safety. The hurricane affected oil and gas production, causing drillers to evacuate Gulf platforms, resulting in a 25% reduction in regional energy output. It also poses risks to newly established liquefied natural gas plants.

(With inputs from agencies.)