Hurricane Francine tracker: Path, rainfall, flood risk and more

Hurricane Francine made landfall on Wednesday night as a Category 2 storm off the coast of Louisiana, it left hundreds of people without power and raised the possibility of widespread flooding as the region's cities were flooded with rain.

At 5 p.m. CDT, the National Hurricane Center reported that Francine had made landfall in the Parish of Terrebonne, roughly 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City. The maximum sustained wind speed was calculated to be close to 100 mph.

Here’s a look at where Hurricane Francine is, where it's heading next, forecasts for the week, and flood risk as it heads inland in Louisiana.

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AccuWeather meteorologists say, "Heavy rain from Francine will continue to spread northward across Louisiana and the lower Mississippi Valley, extending into the central Mississippi and Ohio valleys throughout the rest of the week as Francine progresses northward."

Where is Hurricane Francine now?

Where dangerous storm surges occurred

Storm surge risks would continue across an area to the north and east of New Orleans for another couple of hours, weather service meteorologist Christopher Bannan said during a briefing around 9 p.m. Storm surge was expected across the northwestern portion of Lake Pontchartrain, with a rise of up to 6 feet possible, the hurricane center said.

Hurricane Francine flash flood risk

Francine continues to bring heavy rains and gusts of wind to eastern Louisiana and areas of Mississippi after making landfall. Later this week, rainfall from Francine and her aftereffects will impact additional areas of the Southeast, extending as far north as the Tennessee and lower Ohio valleys, according to Weather.com

How coastal residents should prepare for a hurricane?

The hurricane center advises:

◾ Protect your home – covering windows, securing doors, and loose items outdoors.

◾ Determine your shelter options and consider your pets.

◾ Ready your go-bags, medications, and supplies.

◾ Have multiple days of nonperishable food, water, and medications.

◾ Charge your phone and fill up or charge your vehicles.

◾ Help your neighbors, especially older adults and the vulnerable.

◾ Follow any evacuation orders.

CONTRIBUTING John Bacon, Dinah Voyles Pulver, Thao Nguyen and Doyle Rice

SOURCE NOAA, GOES, Weather.com and USA TODAY research

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where is Hurricane Francine? Maps show path, flood risk and more.