Mandatory Evacuations Ordered in Vulnerable Coastal Louisiana Parishes as Francine Approaches

As Tropical Storm Francine edges closer to the Louisiana coast, mandatory evacuations have been ordered for some of the state's most vulnerable coastal parishes. Francine is expected to intensify to a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall, prompting officials to urge residents to take immediate action.

UPDATE:

As Francine approaches, more parishes across Louisiana have issued evacuation orders in anticipation of the storm, expected to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall Wednesday afternoon or evening. The National Weather Service forecasts Francine will bring 5 to 10 feet of storm surge, damaging winds, and potential flooding to south Louisiana. Below is an updated summary of current evacuation orders:

- Cameron Parish: Mandatory evacuation for the entire parish began at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Ambulance services are suspended in Johnson Bayou, Little Florida, Long Beach, Gulf Breeze Beach, and Holly Beach until further notice.

- Iberia Parish: Residents south of U.S. Highway 90 and other vulnerable populations are urged to evacuate due to the potential for significant storm surge from Vermilion Bay.

- Jefferson Parish: Mandatory evacuations will be issued for areas outside the federal levee protection system, including Crown Point, Jean Lafitte, Barataria, lower Lafitte, and Grand Isle.

- Lafourche Parish: Mandatory evacuations for residents in FEMA or state housing units and those south of the Leon Theriot locks. Voluntary evacuations recommended for residents in lower Bayou Blue, Eagle Island Road, mobile or pre-fabricated homes, low-lying areas, and those with special medical needs. Evacuations begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

- Plaquemines Parish: Mandatory evacuations for Lake Hermitage, Happy Jack, Myrtle Grove, Tidewater Road, Venice, White Ditch to Phoenix, Woodpark, and Grand Bayou. Voluntary evacuations for Eastbank and Venice North to Alliance.

- Terrebonne Parish: Mandatory evacuation for Zone 1, covering the west and south portions of the parish, with residents required to evacuate by 6 a.m. Wednesday.

Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to stay updated on the latest evacuation orders and make necessary preparations as Hurricane Francine approaches.

ORIGINAL STORY:

The Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government announced a mandatory evacuation for Zone 1, effective immediately. Residents in the affected area must evacuate by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

A detailed list of zones can be found through the parish's official site and social media pages.

Additionally, the parish has prepared a storm shelter at the Municipal Auditorium located at 880 Verret Street, which will open at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Evacuees are advised to bring identification, bedding, personal hygiene products, medication, baby supplies, power strips, phone chargers, and enough food and water to last three days. Pets are welcome but must be kept in kennels, and owners must bring food, bowls, and leashes. Those needing transportation to the shelter can call 985-873-6357. Residents in temporary housing are strongly encouraged to find shelter with family or friends or utilize the evacuation shelter.

Jim Cantore of The Weather Channel has set up in Morgan City, LA, signaling a potential shift in the storm's trajectory towards St. Mary Parish. Weather experts now believe Morgan City may be directly in the storm's path.

Plaquemines Parish officials have also issued mandatory evacuations for areas outside of the flood protection, including Lake Hermitage, Happy Jack, Myrtle Grove, Tiewater Road, Venice, White Ditch to Phoenix, Wood Park, and Grand Bayou, starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday. A voluntary evacuation order will follow at 2 p.m. for the Eastbank and Venice north to Alliance.

Other southeastern parishes, including Jefferson Parish, are also under evacuation orders as Louisiana braces for the storm. Residents are urged to stay informed and make the necessary preparations to ensure their safety as Tropical Storm Francine approaches.

This is a developing situation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.