Louisiana on High Alert as Jim Cantore Hints at Lafayette Visit Ahead of Francine

As Tropical Storm Francine gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center is projecting the storm to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday evening, potentially impacting Acadiana. While forecasters are still uncertain about the exact path of the storm, Lafayette residents are bracing for the worst, especially after veteran meteorologist Jim Cantore hinted that he might be heading to town.

Cantore, known for his dramatic on-the-ground hurricane coverage with The Weather Channel, put social media on high alert Sunday when he responded to a tweet by Rob Perillo, chief meteorologist at KATC TV-3 in Lafayette. Perillo had posted about the "potential rapid intensification" of the tropical disturbance, to which Cantore replied, "See you soon!"—a comment that many Louisianans took as a sign to prepare for a serious weather event.

The mere suggestion of Cantore’s presence has left Lafayette on what some locals are calling #CantoreAlert. Cantore’s reputation for showing up in the middle of the most severe weather has made him a figure both feared and famous among Gulf Coast residents. As one commenter put it, “If Cantore is in town, it means it's time for everyone else to leave.”

Reactions have been mixed. While many residents are nervously hoping Cantore stays away, some have taken a more lighthearted approach, extending invitations for him to dine at local restaurants or even join them for supper in their homes.

Despite the social media banter, the reality remains that the Acadiana region must prepare for the possibility of heavy rains, damaging winds, and potential flash flooding as early as Tuesday night.

Local authorities and meteorologists continue to hammer home the importance of preparation. "Whether or not Lafayette will get the brunt of the disturbance is unknown," forecasters at the National Hurricane Center noted on Monday morning.

With Francine’s impact looming, Lafayette and surrounding areas should be prepared and keep an eye on the latest updates from trusted local meteorologists like Rob Perillo, and, of course, from Cantore himself—whether he ends up in Lafayette or not.