As Hurricane Francine bears down on Louisiana, videos emerging on social media capture the rapidly deteriorating conditions across the region. The storm, which has prompted the Biden-Harris Administration to approve an emergency declaration for the state, is bringing dangerous storm surge, heavy rain, and widespread power outages. FEMA has urged residents along the Gulf Coast to stay vigilant and take the storm seriously.

One video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by @ChefKevinBelton shows unsettling waves around the lighthouse at Lake Pontchartrain just hours before Francine's arrival. "The lighthouse at Lake Pontchartrain the morning of Hurricane Francine. I wish this was all it was but it’s not even here yet," reads the post, highlighting the calm before the storm as the waters continue to grow more turbulent.

In the Baldwin-Franklin area, the dark skies and steady rain signal Francine’s presence and the potential for significant damage in Iberia Parish. Another post on X from @HurricaneXplore describes the scene: “Passing through #Baldwin and #Franklin #Louisiana inside the outer edge of the inner eyewall of Hurricane #Francine. Weather conditions are going downhill quickly.”

Morgan City residents witnessed an eerie sight at Lake Palourde, where birds were seen flying in place, struggling against the increasing winds. @lilliandonanue on X posted a clip. “Ever seen birds fly in place? At Lake Palourde in Morgan City,” a video caption reads, capturing a surreal moment as nature braces against the storm’s force.

Meanwhile, in Dulac, waters are already rising due to the storm surge, with locals urged to stay alert to the rapidly changing conditions. One video, posted by @jordanhallwx, shows the encroaching waters, stating, “Already seeing storm surge make its way into Dulac, Louisiana as #Hurricane Francine nears the coast.”

FEMA has pre-positioned essential resources, including water, meals, and generators, in regional distribution centers to aid in the response and recovery efforts. Urban Search and Rescue teams are on standby, ready to respond as needed. Residents are reminded to monitor weather updates from trusted sources and follow guidance from local officials. FEMA encourages communication through text rather than calls to keep phone lines open for emergencies and to stay off the roads whenever possible to allow emergency personnel to respond.

As the storm continues to move inland, officials emphasize the importance of preparedness and caution. "Stay informed, have a plan, and be ready to act," FEMA advises, underscoring the need for residents to prioritize safety during this critical time.

Stay close and grab the radio station app for ongoing updates and safety tips as Francine progresses through Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region.

See more videos below.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.

Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL