Houston – Hurricane Francine made landfall off the Louisiana coast on Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing sustained winds of nearly 100 miles per hour and heavy rainfall.

The storm made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, near Morgan City.

Hurricane Francine Live Tracker

Path of Hurricane Francine

Hurricane Francine made landfall around 5 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday.

The storm is now a Category 2 storm.

The state is expecting up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain, hurricane-force winds and a life-threatening storm surge of up to 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast.

All public schools in New Orleans are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

In Baton Rouge, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said she is in constant contact with the National Weather Service and local and state officials as preparations are made for Francine’s landfall.

“This storm is expected to bring heavy rain, gusty winds and possibly a few tornadoes,” she said. “I want to encourage everyone to start preparing now.”

According to FEMA, President Joe Biden has declared a state of emergency for Louisiana, making federal disaster assistance available to the state to support response efforts.

There is a chance of increasing winds, flooding and tornadoes.

Time of Landfall of Hurricane Francine

Hurricane Francine is expected to hit the Louisiana coast around 5 p.m. in the Terrebonne area, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City.

While direct impacts to Southeast Texas will be limited, coastal areas should expect strong winds, flooding and strong rip currents.

Will Hurricane Francine Hit Houston?

Although Houston and the surrounding areas are not directly on the route, we still have to take into account some weather influences, especially along the coast.

Current warnings and hazards

Wind warning: Valid until 1:00 p.m. for coastal counties including Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island. Northerly winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph are expected.

Coastal Flood Warning: For Chambers County and Galveston Island, the warning policy is in effect until Thursday at 7 p.m.

Tropical Storm Warning: Issued for East Cameron and several parishes in Louisiana, with tropical storm force winds expected.

Hurricane Warning: For parts of the Gulf Coast, winds of 40 to 60 knots, gusts up to 85 knots and waves of 20 to 25 feet.

Flood Warning: In effect through Thursday morning for parts of Louisiana, with possible flooding due to heavy rainfall.

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As Francine moves through, we can expect clear skies and warmer temperatures later in the week in southeast Texas.