Gulf Coast Prepares for Hurricane Francine

Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Governor Jeff Landry have declared a state of emergency in New Orleans and Louisiana respectively, ahead of Hurricane Francine's expected landfall as a Category 2 storm near Morgan City. Coastal regions are already experiencing the storm's initial effects. Utility companies, including Entergy Louisiana and DEMCO, have implemented storm plans in anticipation of power outages. Tangipahoa Parish and St. Tammany Parish have also declared states of emergency, with local officials urging residents to prepare and consider evacuation. Meanwhile, South Mississippi residents are bracing for potential flooding and have begun filling sandbags. As the storm advances, it is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant storm surge to affected areas.