Francine slams into Louisiana: See photos and videos of impact and damage
With all her muster, Francine slammed into Louisiana's coast Wednesday afternoon, dumping heavy rain into the region, flooding streets, downing trees and leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power.
The now down-graded tropical depression made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in the Parish of Terrebonne, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Center reported at 5 p.m. When it hit its maximum sustained winds estimated near 100 mph.
As of the hurricane center's 1 a.m. CT forecast discussion, the storm was moving with sustained winds of 50 mph. Up to 12 inches of rain was possible in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night.
As of about 10 a.m. CT Thursday, more than 327,000 outages had been reported across the state, Paste BN's power outage tracker showed.
News outlet and social media footage showed water flooding streets and cemeteries, downed trees as well as downed trees and utility poles; and several dramatic rescues.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard had been mobilized with nearly 400 high-water vehicles, 87 boats, and 50 helicopters ready to aid rescue and recovery efforts. He continues to urge residents to follow instructions of local officials, including evacuation if told to do so.
See damage left by Francine in Louisiana
Contributing: John Bacon, Thao Nugyen, and Cybele Mayes-Osterman
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.