Tropical Storm Francine is expected to make landfall in south-central Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday evening, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reports.
“Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are expected in portions of southern Louisiana Wednesday, where a Hurricane Warning is now in effect,” the NHS report reads.
Though it is too early to predict the storm’s exact route, Baton Rouge is forecasted to be in the storm’s path.
As of Tuesday afternoon, LSU’s Office of Communications and University Relations said in a statement the university’s campus would be closed Wednesday and Thursday but classes would meet remotely.
Residence halls were to remain open and meals would be provided, but students were cautioned to stock up on supplies and shelter in place through the thick of the storm. LSU Bus routes have likewise been canceled Wednesday and Thursday.
The NHS said storm preparations should be completed by Tuesday night, when tropical storm conditions will set in. As of Monday evening, Francine was producing winds of 65 mph. These are forecasted to increase greatly in the hours leading up to landfall.
“The main threats from this tropical system include heavy rainfall, strong winds and the possibility of isolated tornadoes,” said Mayor-President of Baton Rouge Sharon Weston Broome at a Monday afternoon press conference. “It is crucial that all of us take this storm very seriously and begin our preparations immediately.”
Know where to go if conditions worsen, make a plan with your household and store 72 hours worth of food, Broome said.
East Baton Rouge Parish Transportation and Drainage Director Fred Raiford said priorities would be made to lower the LSU Lakes by two-and-a-half feet to accommodate the heavy rain forecast.
Various officials said at the conference the city was being prepared for the imminent storm. Storm drains and channels were being cleared, crews were primed for dispatch road blockages and first responders were being prepped for emergency responses.
They said for non-emergency incidents, to call 311 instead of 911 for to help clear emergency channels.
Sandbags are available for pickup at eight Baton Rouge Recreation and Environmental Commission parks across the city. Those who intend to pick up bags need only bring a shovel for filling.
This story was updated to be accurate after LSU announced campus would close Wednesday and Thursday and class move to remote learning Tuesday morning.
