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, USA TODAY'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

A fallen tree blocks an intersection on September 11, 2024 in Houma, Louisiana. Hurricane Francine has been upgraded to a Category 2 hurricane and continues to make landfall along the Louisiana coast. Weather analysts are predicting 90mph winds near the eye and a strong storm surge along the coast.

For those who missed it, here is Miles Crawford, neighborhood hero, saving a man’s life during Hurricane Francine.

The spirit of New Orleans. On live TV.

(Pardon my commentary. Emotions were clearly high) pic.twitter.com/DEQ6muBSXe
— ⚜Jeaux⚜ (@Kay_Jeaux) September 12, 2024