Hurricane Francine unleashed its fury on Louisiana’s coast Wednesday afternoon, bringing heavy rainfall, flooding streets, toppling trees, and leaving hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the storm made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane in Terrebonne Parish, approximately 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City. At its peak, it recorded maximum sustained winds around 100 mph.

By the National Hurricane Center’s report at 1 a.m. CT, the storm had decreased in strength to a tropical depression, with sustained winds of 50 mph. Heavy rainfall of up to 12 inches was projected in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night.

As of about 10 a.m. CT on Thursday, over 327,000 power outages were noted across Louisiana, according to the YSL News power outage tracker.

Footage from news outlets and social media depicted streets and cemeteries inundated with water, fallen trees, downed utility poles, and several dramatic rescue operations.

Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana reported that the National Guard had been activated, deploying nearly 400 high-water vehicles, 87 boats, and 50 helicopters to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. He continues to advise residents to heed the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

Contributors: John Bacon, Thao Nugyen, and Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for YSL News. You follow her on X @nataliealund.