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Indiana Riverboat Casinos

Riverboat Casinos in Indiana offer players a one of a kind unique gambling experience.

Indiana, like many other states, has recently expanded its gambling laws.  The Hoosier State has a rich history of gambling, with Indiana horse racing dating back to the 1800s. In Indiana, sports betting is legal, and residents can download mobile sports betting apps to wager on their favorite teams and sports on the go. For example, BetRivers Indiana is one of the online gambling sites currently available in the Hoosier State. As well as betting on sport, Indiana residents can now participate in casino gambling, but only at sweeps casinos.

In terms of casino gaming, there is also legislation that Sen. Jon Ford has introduced to bring new Indiana casino laws to fruition. The Indiana legislature accepted the proposals. Ford predicts that online casinos could bring in between $45-60 million  worth of tax revenue every year. For now, players can only access sweepstakes casinos in Indiana , with sites like Chumba Casino , Pulsz , BetRivers.net , and games like LuckyLand paving the way. These sites will still offer your favorite casino game, but you will be playing for virtual currency instead of real money.

The legalization of iGaming would build on the revenue generated by current land-based casinos in Indiana . Indiana gambling law authorizes ten land-based or riverboat casinos on the Ohio River or Lake Michigan, one physical casino in French Lick, and racinos at the two horse tracks in the state.

The Indiana Gaming Commission oversees all gambling activity in the state. Whether you are playing at Caesars Indiana, Indiana Grand, or a table game at an online casino, you are gambling in a safe environment. This is the case for a land based casino and an online site.

This page covers everything you need to know about Riverboat casinos in Indiana. Whether you love slot machines, classic table games, or you fancy yourself as a pro at poker, these riverboat casino locations provide all of that and more.

Indiana’s Riverboat Casinos Background

Legal gambling in Indiana began in 1988 when voters approved a state lottery. The first. Consequently, the first lottery tickets went on sale in October the following year. The momentum for casinos in Indiana grew, and the Indiana Riverboat Gaming Act passed in 1993. This opened up the possibility for the construction of ten riverboat casinos, the first of which opened in 1995.

Recently, the largest riverboat casino in the world set sail for a new home. The  Caesars Southern Indiana,  formerly known as the Horseshoe Southern Indiana riverboat casino, moved locations to Alabama. The casino called the riverboat its home for over 20 years; however, in 2015, Indiana passed a law permitting riverboat casinos to move from the water to land-based properties.

Players in Indiana can now access games of chance at a mixture of tribal, land-based, and riverboat casinos in addition to playing slots at horse tracks. You don’t need to travel to Las Vegas to enjoy live dealers or the latest slot machine. You can experience all of that in Central and Northwest Indiana. You are eligible to play the lottery at track events if you are 18; however, the legal gambling age in Indiana to visit a casino is 21 .

Ohio River Casinos

If you are looking for a Cincinnati riverboat casino, unfortunately, riverboat gambling is illegal in the Buckeye State. However, neighboring Indiana is has a thriving casino resort scene. Some of the most prominent riverboat casinos on the Ohio River are a short drive from Cincinnati.

Belterra Casino Indiana

The Belterra is the leading gambling boat in Indiana, boasting two floors of the newest and most entertaining slot machines and table games. With the addition of side bets, whether you are gambling in Indianapolis, Louisville, or Cincinnati, players tend to choose Belterra more often than not.

Some of the games include  Three Card Poker  and  Caribbean Stud . In addition to the numerous games and entertainment, the Belterra Hotel and Resort offers spa treatments, golf, and indoor shopping. If you want a break from the buzz of the casino floor, the full-service spa provides numerous treatments to recharge your batteries.

When you visit Belterra, you will discover retail sports betting courtesy of the FanDuel sportsbook among the 42,000 square feet of gaming space.

Hollywood Casino Barge

The Hollywood Casino was formerly known as Argosy Casino. This riverboat gambling facility and hotel is located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. It boasts 270,000 square feet of fun and entertainment, including  150,000 square feet of gaming space. There are 88  table games to choose from, in addition to 41 poker tables. The casino has one of the best poker rooms in Indiana .

If slots are more your thing, there are over 3,000 titles for you to play at your pleasure. Make sure you check the casino schedule to see what is in store regarding entertainment. The Hollywood casino lives up to its name, bringing in several entertainment acts every night. The onsite hotel provides luxury accommodation and includes restaurants such as the Final Cut Steakhouse.

Sports betting fans can also place bets via the retail sportsbook located in the casino, provided by the Barstool Sportsbook .

Grand Victoria Casino & Resort

The Rising Star Casino Resort is known for its excellent links golf course. This beautifully designed course features panoramic views of the Ohio River Valley . If you want some gambling action, the live casino floor has over 1,000 slot machines comprising fun themed reels. Additionally, the resort has over 200 hotel rooms, including suites, complete with an indoor pool.

If you want to relax after a day of gambling, the Grand Theatre offers superb entertainment, with favorites such as David Cassidy and Huey Lewis and the News having performed there.

Caesars sportsbook is available for players in the casino looking to wager on their favorite sports and team.

Lake Michigan Casinos

The Ameristar Casino Hotel is one of the most convenient land-based properties in Indiana. It is 25 miles from Chicago and close to Interstate highways. Additionally, if you are a Chicago resident, you can take advantage of a free shuttle bus service that runs from the city center. If you are a fan of Baccarat, you are in luck, as the Ameristar has a room dedicated to the game.

Ameristar is part of the Pinnacle Entertainment group. Consequently, the casino has a private club for high rollers with free food and drink.

Another Lake Michigan casino,  the Majestic Star Casino , features numerous quirky slots, including video poker penny slots and table games. Additionally, there is a dedicated poker room that sponsors daily tournaments and promotions. There is no hotel connected to the Majestic Star; however, there is a connected shuttle bus service.

The Horseshoe Hammond similarly does not have a dedicated casino hotel but does have a free shuttle bus service. This land-based property has stunning lake view suites spanning more than 1000 square feet. The gaming floor contains slots, table games, and poker rooms.

There is something very nostalgic about stepping on to a riverboat casino. No need for the bright lights and towering buildings of Vegas, Indiana riverboat casinos provide a one of a kind gambling experience for all who visit.

List of Indiana Riverboat Casinos

Below is a list of the riverboat casinos available in Indiana:

• Beltrerra Casino Resort
• Caesars Southern Indiana
• Grand Victoria Casino Resort
• Hollywood Casino & Hotel Lawrenceburg
• Ameristar East Chicago
• Horseshoe Casino
• Bally’s Evansville (Formerly Tropicana Evansville)
• Blue Chip Casino
• Grand Victoria Casino

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Rising Star Casino Hotel & The Lodge boast 294 well appointed and comfortable rooms. Our unique resort, nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, includes an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center and free wireless internet.

Our guest rooms at the Rising Star Casino Hotel offer either one king bed or two queen beds with scenic views of our riverboat casino or our Links Golf Course. We welcome families, and our in-room entertainment comes with a choice of pay-per-view movies or video game rentals. Disability features are available. Please ask the Reservationist or Front Desk personnel for details.

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Belterra Casino and Resort - Casinos – Vevay, Indiana Casinos

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Belterra is an impressive state-of-the-art riverboat casino, with 38,000 square feet of pure excitement and over 1,350 of the latest and most exciting slot and video poker machines with 47 table games. Belterra Riverboat proudly displays the most in-house progressives and some of the largest jackpots of any Indiana Casino. Machine denominations range from two-cent to $100.

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For $16 million, indiana’s first riverboat casino can be yours.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Indiana’s first riverboat casino is up for sale again.

New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc. has announced it is pursuing a sale of the Riverboat Louis Armstrong . That riverboat initially served as Casino Aztar’s gambling riverboat on the Ohio River in Evansville. 

The boat, originally named City of Evansville, opened as Indiana’s first riverboat casino in 1995. In 2017, the casino, then operating as Tropicana Evansville, moved to land-based gambling and closed the riverboat.

The riverboat was sold to the New Orleans-based group, where it underwent renovations and opened as the city’s “most luxurious, and most unique concert and events venue on the Mississippi River.”

“In light of the recent changes to the local tourism market and hospitality industry, especially the ones that have resulted in the cancelling of future conventions in New Orleans, New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc., has decided to pursue the potential sale of the Riverboat Louis Armstong,” company president Walter Reuther Jr. said in a statement. “Although this is somewhat unexpected, the change in circumstances arising out of the significant post-COVID changes has necessitated this path, and the sale of the vessel will permit the company to redeploy assets and personnel in other areas.”

The company is reportedly seeking $16 million for the 3,000-passenger riverboat. A Facebook video released in January 2022 features a tour of the riverboat .

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Casinos in Indiana

We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she's our gambling tech expert . Jane's also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

There might not be as many casinos in Indiana as in some other states, however those looking to play slots, blackjack and other casino games should find that there’s still something available to them. ... There are 11 casinos in total, ranging from commercial casinos through to riverboat casinos, and we’ve created a helpful IN casinos map further down this page so you can find them easily. As well as the Indiana casinos map, we’ve also included other important details about gambling in Indiana, such as information about taxation on winnings and what the laws surrounding gambling in the state are.

• Indiana Casino List & Map
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• Need more info? FAQ & About IN

Indiana Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations

When you look below, you’ll find an Indiana casino map, highlighting all the places you’ll find casinos in Indiana. These casinos range from large resorts through to more intimate settings, plus a couple mix horse racing into the action. Why not take a look at the map below and find the Indiana casino that’s just right for you?

• Best Casinos (3)
• Biggest Casinos (3)
• Indian Casinos (1)
• Racinos (2)
• Cruise Ships/Riverboats (2)
• To See the Full List Casinos (11)

The Best Casinos in Indiana

The Biggest Casinos in Indiana

Are There Indian Casinos in Indiana?

There is only one Indian casino in Indiana, and it’s the Four Winds South Bend which, as the name suggests, is found in the city of South Bend. Indian casinos don’t fall under state law to the same extent as other casinos and this has allowed them to proliferate in other states. You might also hear Indian casinos referred to as Native American casinos or tribal casinos.

You’ll find two racinos in Indiana, both of which are part of the Caesars group, but what exactly are they? Well, they combine horse racing and casino into one, offering a complete gambling experience. It’s possible to place a bet on the horses, before then changing focus and heading into the casino, where various games are often found.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Indiana?

When casinos were legalized in Indiana in 1993, the law stated that they had to be on water, except for the resort at French Lick. Since then though, the rules have been relaxed, meaning that many casinos have moved onto dry land. You will still be able to find a number of riverboat casinos in Indiana though, all of which are now stationary. Many are moored outside other facilities, including hotels.

Full Indiana Casino List

Looking for a complete list of casinos in Indiana? If so, you should check out the list below, which shows every casino in the state, from riverboat casinos through to racinos. We’ll add to this list if any new casinos are ever opened in Indiana.

Expected New Casinos

There are not currently any plans for any new casinos in Indiana. We will update this page accordingly if any plans to create any new gambling towns in Indiana are announced.

Gambling in Indiana

Below, you’ll find some key facts about gambling in Indiana, from the minimum age to gamble, through to whether there are any bet limits. Take a look below to familiarize yourself with things before you visit one of the casinos in Indiana.

Casino Games in Indiana

Quite simply, you’ll find pretty much every casino game around at the casinos in Indiana, from slot machines all the way through to table games, such as blackjack and roulette. Sports betting has also recently been legalized in the state, with many of the casinos having dedicated areas for sports betting fans. Check out a small selection of the gambling options available in Indiana casinos below.

• Wheel of Fortune
• Riches with Daikoku
• Big Bang Theory
• Triple Sparkle
• 19000+ slot machines
• Types: Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker Free Slot Tournaments
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• Crazy 4 Poker
• 3 Card Poker
• Let It Ride Progressive
• Limit Hold’em
• 5 Card Poker
• 7 Card Poker
• Pot Limit Omaha
• 122 poker tables in the state
• American Roulette
• Double Zero Roulette
• Rapid Roulette
• Double Deck Pitch Blackjack
• Blackjack Switch
• Crapless Craps
• Video Poker
• Mini-Baccarat
• EZ Baccarat
• Pai Gow Tiles
• Horse Racing
• Legal to bet on all sports in Indiana, in retail venues or using a mobile

Gambling Legal Situation in Indiana

Taxation of winnings.

Indiana has a flat income tax rate of 3.23% and everyone winning money, regardless of the amount, is expected to pay tax on their win. What’s more, winners will need to pay federal tax of 24% when winning anything over a specific amount (this varies by game – for slots it is $1,200) or when winning a sum of 300x or more the size of a bet.

Indiana Gambling Laws

Casino gambling has been legal in Indiana since 1993, when the Indiana Riverboat Act was passed. This legalized casinos, but only on water. This law was repealed in 1999, allowing casinos to set up on land. The most recent change to Indiana gambling law came in 2019, when sports betting was legalized in the state. Take a look below to find out about the major laws passed in relation to gambling in Indiana.

Prohibits most forms of gambling

Legalized riverboat casinos in Indiana. Was repealed in 1999 as laws relaxed around casinos

Legalized sports betting in Indiana

As with most states, gambling in Indiana has a long history. Take a look at the timeline below to see some of the most significant dates for gambling in the state.

1851 Indiana Constitution bans almost all forms of gambling in the state. While the Constitution only specifically banned lotteries, this was seen by courts as a ban on nearly all forms of gambling.

1988 Voters in the state approve a constitutional amendment, allowing a lottery to be set up in Indiana.

1989 Pari-mutuel betting was legalized. Hoosier Park (now Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino) opened in 1994 and off-track betting parlors were first seen in 1995.

1993 Casinos are legalized. Land-based casinos in French Lick and Gary are permitted, plus riverboat casinos are allowed on the Ohio River. Riverboat casinos on Lake Michigan and Patoka Lake were later added to the law. These laws were later relaxed, allowing more land-based casinos.

2019 Indiana legalizes sports betting, both online and offline.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

At the moment, there are no upcoming changes to gambling regulation in Indiana. The state has only just legalized sports betting, so it is probable that this will be allowed to settle before any new gambling regulation is even considered.

Indiana Casino Resorts and Trips

If you’re looking for something more than a casino, you should consider visiting one of the Indiana casino resorts. One of the most popular ways to visit the best casino resorts in Indiana is by using an organized tour. We’ve listed the top three casino resorts in Indiana below, plus we’ve also found three great trips to Indiana casinos. However, if you like to travel, then we recommend checking out our top 10 casinos list , where you might just find your next holiday destination.

Casino Resorts

Casino resorts are massively popular, as they don’t just have casinos – they also offer hotels, various other entertainment options and, in many cases, many places to eat and drink. Many choose to spend the entire day at one, while others turn it into a vacation, booking a room for a few nights. Take a look below to see the three best Indiana casino resorts.

Casino Trips

Looking to visit one of the casino resorts in Indiana? If so, you should really consider a casino trip. These are organized excursions to the best Indiana casino resorts and include transport to and from the venue. Many also include little bonuses too, such as free play on slot machines or meal vouchers. We’ve listed three of the best trips to Indiana casinos below.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.

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Missing boater found in Ohio River identified

Crews have recovered the body of a man who went missing early Monday in the Ohio River, according to the Gallatin County Emergency Management Agency.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office said the man, identified as 48-year-old Aaron Kime, was found shortly before 12:30 p.m. near the area where he fell off his boat around 3 a.m. on Monday.

Kime fell from his boat along the Ohio River in Warsaw, near Paint Lick Road.

The effort changed from search and rescue to search and recovery on Tuesday, according to Gallatin County Emergency Management Agency Director Brandon Terrell.

Kime and some of his friends were returning from pleasure boating unrelated to Riverfest. He was sitting on his boat when he stood up and fell into the water, the EMA said Monday.

The family of the 48-year-old released a statement:

"Aaron passed away in a boating accident doing what he loved the most; Spending time with his family and friends on the beautiful water. Aaron and several friends and family took a late-night boat cruise to enjoy the stars and calm water.

"Aaron was safely sitting when he collapsed and fell into the water. His loved ones immediately took action but were sadly unable to rescue him.

"The entire family wants the community to know that Aaron is an incredible husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We will also always remember his caring, helpful, fun nature and the love he also had for the meaningful family time spent boating up and down the Ohio River.

"Aaron is also a follower of Christ and lived his life through Jesus’s example of love for one another. We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace and home with his Lord and Savior.

"We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for all the members of the rescue teams who worked non-stop the past two days to bring Aaron home. Please respect the family’s privacy as we deal with this incredibly difficult time."

At least 10 agencies assisted in the search with boats and sonar.

Terrell said these were the agencies involved in the effort Tuesday: Gallatin County Fire Department, Gallatin County EMA, Jeff-Craig Fire Department, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Air Quality Alert for metro Cincinnati on Wednesday. Air quality unhealthy for sensitive groups. Limit outdoor exposure.

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'We hate to see them leave': Relocation could be in the cards for Tri-State casino

by Paige Barnes, WKRC

RISING SUN, Ind. (WKRC) - The proposed departure of Rising Sun's casino is sending shockwaves through the small Indiana town.

Full House Resorts Inc., the company that oversees the casino, confirmed it’s looking to move its gaming license.

"We are exploring a pathway to relocate our Rising Star Casino license to a new casino in New Haven, Indiana. Everything is very preliminary right now and in early discussions, but I will be happy to sit down with you and provide more details as they develop in the coming months," said Full House Resorts.

Rising Sun's main attraction might be making the jump out of town. It's the least profitable of Indiana's 13 casinos, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission, and has been for the past couple of years. But it still draws people into town, like Wendell Robbins and his wife.

"We hate to see them leave. We really enjoy it over here. We like everything, and I know everybody else [would] hate to see them leave, too," said Robbins, who drove in from Fairfield.

Rising Star Casino Resort opened as Grand Victoria Casino and Resort in October of 1996.

Barb Anderson, owner of Andersons Riviera Inn, said she was part of the original group that went up to the statehouse in 1994 to advocate for a gaming license. She said that all of that work would be flushed down the toilet if it were to move.

"Because of the complex nature of this process, neither the city nor the county are in a position to offer any comments at this time," said the Rising Sun City Council.

"They have little restaurants in there. They have good breakfasts, dinners, and stuff, so we really enjoy [the] town. It's open and welcome[s] everybody. Everybody's nice to you," Robbins said.

Robbins and his wife said that the casino is also a great music venue, having heard Willie Nelson and Little Richard at the theater. They wonder what will happen to the golf course and riverboat that are connected to the casino.

"We hope somebody else buys it and takes it over, and if they don't, then we'll just pick out one of the other casinos to go to," Robbins said.

The 2025 Indiana Legislature would need to approve the move. Full House Resorts previously quoted that it would be talking to as many legislators as possible to get the story out there. New Haven City Council, the mayor, and the city planner are considering the move. Residents there are also weighing in online. Many say they don't want to see a casino come to town.

Greater Cincinnati's first casino might be the first to leave town

RISING SUN, Indiana — Greater Cincinnati’s oldest casino is scouting for a new home.

Rising Star Casino Resort, which opened in 1996 and saw its revenues tumble after Cincinnati casinos began to open in 2013, is exploring the transfer of its gaming license to the Fort Wayne area.

The move would have a huge impact on the Ohio County community of Rising Sun, where local governments claimed nearly $6 million in riverboat gambling receipts last year and a community foundation distributed $47 million in casino-enabled grants since 1997.

“We’re looking at maximizing opportunity based on the location of the riverboat license,” said Alex Stolyar, chief development officer for Rising Star’s Las Vegas-based owner, Full House Resorts Inc. “It would take several years to get all the approvals necessary and construct a new casino.”

Rising Sun Mayor Steve Slack said Full House had notified the city of its “preliminary plans” to relocate.

“Because of the complex nature of this process, neither the city nor the county are in a position to offer any comments at this time,” Slack said in a statement.

The economic development director of New Haven confirmed his city is in discussions with Full House about establishing a new casino in the I-469 corridor as early as 2028.

“New Haven is strategically located for them,” Economic Development Director Zach Washler said. “The (only) casino within any sort of driving distance is 90 minutes away. So, there is a market here.”

New Haven and Fort Wayne are in Allen County, where the population of nearly 400,000 is 65 times larger than Ohio County. Based on that and other factors, the move could spark a tripling of revenue for Full House, which now averages about $3.5 million per month in Rising Sun, according to Ed Feigenbaum, whose Indiana Gaming Insight newsletter broke the news about the possible relocation on Aug. 23.

“I think you’re easily looking at between $12 million and $15 million a month from a new casino in Allen County,” Feigenbaum said.

'They haven't put any money into it'   But those aren’t the numbers that matter to Rising Sun residents like Amy King, director of the Ohio County Public Library.

“Our city has so many neat things because of the boat,” King said. “We have this new library that was built in 2007. When I was a kid, I grew up here. We didn’t have a public pool. We now have a public pool. There’s been so many additions and things updated at our schools because of it. New sidewalks. New riverfront.”

Many of those improvements flowed from a Local Development Agreement that sent $657,886 to Rising Sun in 2023, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission’s annual report. The money is distributed by the Rising Sun Regional Foundation, which funded library grants in recent years for new computers, LED lights and a $16,000 mural by the prolific local artist, Christian Dallas.

“It has our state bird, our state flower and it has bald eagles because we have bald eagles in Ohio County,” King said. “Things like that matter to our community because we feel seen. We feel worthy of nice things.”

King understands why Full House wants to relocate because it’s sandwiched between casinos in Switzerland and Dearborn counties and saw its market share pinched in the last decade by Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino and Turfway Racing & Gaming in Florence. But King also watched the property fade in recent years and wonders whether a closure was planned long ago.

“They haven’t put any money into it, have not put us in a place for success,” she said.

King said she is worried about “what’s going to happen with this big, empty complex,” which pays property taxes her library depends on. And she worries about friends who will lose their jobs when Rising Star closes. With 299 full- and part-time workers in its hotel, golf course and casino, the property is one of Ohio County’s largest employers.

“These boats came to poor communities first. That’s why the state allowed it. But we’re still poor,” King said. “It feels like their mind’s already made up. So, that’s sort of disheartening and just very concerning of what we could potentially look like without that money coming in.”

What it costs to lose a casino In an interview, Feigenbaum said state lawmakers might be skeptical about a license relocation because of an ongoing federal investigation into casino corruption that led to guilty pleas by two former members of the Indiana House and Senate.

But he adds that Full House will have a better chance of securing legislative approval if it’s able to get Rising Sun officials to bless the deal. And he thinks that might be possible with a “hold-harmless” agreement that offsets future losses with a lump-sum or multi-year payment plan.

Full House and New Haven both confirmed that they’re exploring such a deal with Rising Sun officials but declined to provide details.

“We’re going to work to make them whole,” Washler said of New Haven’s efforts. “This is not going to be something where anyone is harmed by moving.”

How much does it take to hold a community harmless? That depends on how you measure the harm.

The Indiana Gaming Commission’s annual report says Rising Star Casino paid total taxes of $4 million in the 12 months ending in June 2023, plus additional payments of $657,886 through its local development agreement.

But those numbers don’t match financial data, reported by local communities to the Indiana Gateway database. It shows Rising Sun with $2.9 million in riverboat receipts in the 2023 calendar year. That’s 18% of the city’s total receipts in the 12 months ending last December.

Ohio County had $2.8 million of “Riverboat Gaming Fund B” receipts for the same period, or 15% of total receipts.

Because city and county officials couldn’t be reached, it isn’t clear whether those tax estimates include the roughly $202,368 in annual property taxes paid on the 288-acre property, according to a parcel search on the Ohio County Assessor’s website. The records show the casino site, which includes a 40,000-square-foot riverboat, 294 hotel rooms and a golf course, is worth $19.3 million.

The Ohio County Public Library has a keen interest in that value because “libraries are funded through property tax,” King said.

“So, I don’t know what that means if they leave,” King said. “What’s going to happen with this big, empty complex? I mean, that’s very concerning.”

And those dollar amounts don't include the intangible value brought by community grants, like the $12,000 purchase of percussion instruments for the Marching Knights.

"This money has been a godsend for us," said Dave Pallada, director of bands for the South Dearborn Community School Corporation. "We were able to get two marimbas and a xylophone from the grant. The previous marimba was actually held together with a ratchet strap."

Pallada said the new instruments not only make the band sound better. They inspire confidence in the students who use them. And so has the Rising Star Casino itself.

"We’ve been able to take our jazz band down there a couple of times," said Pallada. "And it gives our students an opportunity to have a real-life experience, out there performing in front of a crowd."

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Francine live updates: Hurricane weakens to Category 1 after making landfall in Louisiana

What to know about hurricane francine.

• Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, at 5 p.m. local time as a Category 2 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.
• The storm lost some of its strength after it made landfall and within an hour had had weakened to a Category 1 hurricane.
• At 10 p.m. local time, the hurricane was about 35 miles west-northwest of New Orleans, with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph. It was moving northeast at a rate of 16 mph.
• A tropical storm warning was in effect from Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to the Alabama and Florida border. A storm surge warning was also in effect from Avery Island, Louisiana, to the Mississippi and Alabama border.
• The governors of Louisiana and Mississippi have declared states of emergency, with many local leaders ordering or strongly recommending that towns and cities evacuate low-lying coastal areas.

'Past the point’ where canals, pumps overwhelmed, Jefferson Parish official says

Phil Helsel

A council member in Jefferson Parish told residents to stay off roads because of dangerous flooding from Hurricane Francine.

“We are in an extremely dangerous flooding situation. Do not get on the road unless you absolutely have to. Canals have overflowed and street flooding is widespread,” Councilman At-large Scott Walker said on X.

“We’re past the point where canals and pumps are overwhelmed. Just talked to our drainage director — 3-5 inches in the last 3 hours, 6-9 inches for the day and counting,” he said.

Jefferson Parish is just west and south of New Orleans, and adjacent to the city.

Heavy rain headed for North Shore, to taper off in New Orleans

Rain in the New Orleans area will begin to taper off as the hurricane moves north, the National Weather Service said, but it will hit the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

Even though the rain is tapering off in New Orleans, the weather service said that it is still dangerous there because of many flooded roads and that people should stay inside.

Good Samaritan who saved driver on live TV is ER nurse

A bystander who went into a flooded underpass to rescue a pickup driver who drove into the floodwaters and saved him on live television said he is an ER nurse and used to high-stress situations.

“I guess it is a big deal, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary, so to speak,” the rescuer, Miles Crawford, told NBC affiliate WDSU of New Orleans .

Crawford used a hammer to break a rear window and help pull the driver of a pickup to safety during WDSU's live coverage of Hurricane Francine.

“I saw that there was a guy in there and the water was steadily rising," he said. “I was seeing if we could find anything to break the window, and so I ran back to my house and grabbed a hammer and ran back.”

“And I went in there and got him,” he said.

Crawford said he told the driver that he needed to get out of the vehicle and that the water was rising fast.

"He was, you know, looking for things, and I was like, 'no, we don't have time for that,'" he said. First responders arrived as the man was out of the truck and in safer waters, WDSU video showed.

New Orleans residents told to conserve water as storm causes problems at sewerage pump stations

New Orleans residents have been told to conserve water because of power outages that are causing problems at sewerage pump stations, a city emergency preparedness alert said.

It had initially said the Sewerage and Water Board was experiencing impacts at pump stations, but corrected its messaging to say it was at sewerage pump stations.

New Orleans says 911 issue is resolved

New Orleans officials said cell carriers reported that problems reaching 911 in the hurricane area have been resolved.

"AT&T and T-Mobile report resolution of issue with customers being able to reach 9-1-1 in hurricane impact area," said NOLA Ready, managed by the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Earlier, New Orleans police said the carriers reported problems and distributed an alternate number for emergencies.

Flash flood emergency for New Orleans as dramatic video shows truck rescue

The National Weather Service issued a “flash flood emergency” message for areas that include New Orleans until 11:45 p.m. local time as live video showed a dramatic rescue in a flooded part of the city.

The emergency, which was a nnounced on X, also includes Metairie and Kenner. It instructs people to move to higher ground immediately.

As the emergency was declared, a live shot on NBC affiliate WDSU of New Orleans showed a pickup truck with someone inside driving into floodwaters, getting stuck and starting to sink.

The truck appeared stuck in the deep water near an underpass. Water went up to the nearly the windows, and eventually the entire front went underwater.

A bystander entered the water and broke a rear window, and the driver was seen crawling out, falling into the water and being helped by the rescuer to a guardrail, where he was able to hang on.

First responders then appeared.

Officials repeatedly warn drivers in hurricanes and other severe weather to never drive into floodwaters, using the phrase “turn around, don’t drown.”

Submerged cars seen in New Orleans

Several vehicles were seen partially submerged in New Orleans, video from NBC affiliate WDSU of New Orleans showed .

A live broadcast of conditions showed two cars, both with water almost over their hoods.

Heavy rain is spreading across metropolitan New Orleans, the National Weather Service said at 9 p.m. ET . Lakefront Airport had sustained winds of 37 mph with a gust of 49 mph, the service said.

Francine is forecast to bring 4 to 8 inches of rain to southeastern Louisiana, with local amounts up to a foot.

Mandatory curfew in Terrebonne Parish

Terrebonne Parish, where Hurricane Francine made landfall earlier today, is under a mandatory parishwide curfew until further notice, the sheriff’s office said.

“Authorities are working to assess and clear roadways of debris and powerlines but travel still remains a dangerous situation for motorists,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook .

“The curfew will continue to be strictly enforced for the safety of our residents," it said. "Sheriff Soignet urges everyone to remain sheltered in place, and to abide by the active curfew."

Francine stalls over Louisiana, producing ‘tremendous rainfall totals’

Bill Karins

NBC News meteorologist Bill Karins examines Hurricane Francine’s path over Louisiana, where the storm has slowed its progress, causing high rainfall totals. Karins also says tornadoes are a high risk overnight.

Steven Romo

Reporting from Gulfport, Ms.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Francine made landfall in neighboring Louisiana. NBC News’ Steven Romo spoke with Gulfport residents about how they are preparing for the storm, which is expected in Mississippi tomorrow.

AT&T, T-Mobile customers having trouble contacting 911 in New Orleans area

New Orleans police said customers for cell carriers AT&T and T-Mobile are reporting problems with contacting 911 in a "wide area" that includes Orleans Parish.

The police department on X instructed people who can't call 911 to instead call 504-671-3600.

More than 175,000 outages reported in Louisiana

There were 175,225 customers without power in Louisiana tonight after Hurricane Francine made landfall, a state public service commissioner said.

The most were in Lafourche, Terrebonne, Jefferson, Orleans and Ascension parishes, 1st District Commissioner Eric Skrmetta said on X .

The hurricane made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, southwest of New Orleans, at 6 p.m. ET.

Utility company Entergy warned that customers in the direct path of the storm could be without power for days.

“Based on historical restoration times, customers in the direct path of a Category 2 hurricane can experience outages for up to 10 days,” Entergy said in a statement .

No one out of the woods, National Weather Service says

The worst of Hurricane Francine has not made it to most of the area in the storm's path, the National Weather Service office in New Orleans said.

"NO ONE is out of the woods yet," the office said in a 7:20 p.m. CT post. "We have received many calls asking if it’s over. The worst hasn’t not approached any area except for Terrebonne and even then the south side of the eye wall is NOT on shore."

The office urged people to continue to shelter in place.

Storm causing issues with sewer system in Jefferson Parish

Claire Cardona

The storm is moving through Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and causing issues with the sewer system, officials said.

Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said stormwater is going through openings in the pipes, which, combined with the saturated soil, is overwhelming the sewer system.

Parish residents were asked to conserve water to help avoid backups. Sheng said the issue was the result of an aging system.

Crews will work to mitigate the issues tomorrow morning, Public Works Director Mark Drewes said. He said there were no major waterline breaks in the parish. 

People were asked to continue sheltering in place as the worst of the storm blows through. Crews will assess the damage when it is safe for them to go out, Sheng said.

Jefferson Parish surrounds parts of Orleans Parish and includes the cities of Metairie, Kenner, Marrero and Jefferson.

Hurricane Francine weakening as it moves inland; flooding expected throughout Louisiana

Antonio Planas

Francine continues to move inland across the southeastern region of Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm was about 20 miles east-southeast of Morgan City and 50 miles west-southwest of New Orleans, the hurricane center said in a 7 p.m. local time update.

Francine is tracking northeast at 17 mph and is expected to move into Mississippi tomorrow. Its maximum sustained winds were 85 mph, and winds were expected to weaken, turning it into a post-tropical storm by tomorrow night or Friday, the hurricane center said.

Francine is expected to douse southeastern Louisiana with 4 to 8 inches of rain, with up to 12 inches in some parts of the state, according to the hurricane center. Heavy rain could lead to considerable flash, urban and river flooding, it said.

Flooding is expected because of a dangerous storm surge and the tide. If the peak surge occurs at high tide, water could reach over 4 feet in some places, the hurricane center said.

The water from Burns Point to Port Fourchon could be 5 to 10 feet above ground; the mouth of Pearl River, Louisiana, to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, could reach 4 to 6 feet; and Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana could reach 4 to 6 feet, according to the hurricane center.

Flash flood warning issued for New Orleans and surrounding areas

Conditions are worsening in the New Orleans area, with strong wind gusts of 55 to 65 mph, the National Weather Service office in New Orleans said in a 6:50 p.m. local time update.

Isolated gusts greater than 80 mph, combined with heavy rain, could enhance the flash flood threat, the office said.

A flash flood warning was issued for New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Chackbay, Boutte and Des Allemands until 9:30 p.m. local time. The warning was also issued for LaPlace, Luling and Destrehan through 9:45 p.m. CT.

Hurricane Francine was about 55 miles west-southwest of New Orleans at 6:55 p.m. local time.

Hurricane Francine makes landfall in southern Louisiana

Reporting from New Orleans

Hurricane Francine made landfall on Louisiana's Gulf Coast as a Category 2 storm with winds of 100 mph. Heavy rain and flooding were expected.

Forecasters said the storm was expected to weaken quickly as it moved inland. NBC News' Tom Llamas reported.

More than 100,000 in Louisiana without power

More than 100,000 customers in Louisiana are without power, with the regions near where Hurricane Francine made landfall hit the hardest.

According to a po w eroutage.us , 109,544 customers were without power shortly after 6:15 p.m. local time.

Some parishes most affected were Terrebonne, where Francine made landfall, with 23,360 outages; Lafourche, with 24,137; and Assumption, with 5,157 customers without power.

Orleans Parish had 3,782 customers without power, and Jefferson Parish had 4,901.

Hurricane Francine weakens to Category 1 storm

Hurricane Francine has weakened to a Category 1 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Although the hurricane has lost strength, forecasters are still calling the storm “life-threatening.” Maximum sustained winds were 90 mph, the hurricane center said.

A Category 1 hurricane has sustained winds of 74 to 95 mph.

The eye of the storm was just inland of southern Louisiana at 6 p.m. local time. Sustained winds of 68 mph were reported in Dulac, with peak gusts of 97 mph. A gust of 59 mph was reported in Patterson.

Francine made landfall about 5 p.m. local time as a Category 2 hurricane in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City.

St. Mary Parish sheriff calls Hurricane Francine 'worst storm we’ve had in a while'

Hallie Jackson

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell stressed the importance for residents to watch local news and listen to officials as Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana.

Driskell said the area is expected to take a direct hit and has already had downed trees and power lines.

St. Mary Parish includes Morgan City, which is in the hurricane's path. Francine was about 30 miles southwest of Morgan City at 5 p.m. local time.

Morgan City at the heart of storm, official says

Hurricane Francine is starting to lash Morgan City, Louisiana, an official said.

Police Capt. John Schaff said the city is at the heart of the storm and is starting to get strong winds.

“Abide by curfew — it’s not safe,” Schaff said.

All police units were pulled off the road because of lack of visibility and high winds, Schaff said. A seawall and lock systems on the levy are keeping water out for now, he said.

Schaff said authorities were rescuing a family whose trailer fell off its blocks because of high winds.

Francine made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane at 5 p.m. local time, about 30 miles from Morgan City. Maximum sustained winds are estimated at 100 mph.

Francine makes landfall in Louisiana as Category 2

Minyvonne Burke

Hurricane Francine made landfall as a Category 2 storm at 5 p.m. local time in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City.

Its maximum sustained winds are estimated to be near 100 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.

Hurricane Francine expected to make landfall in Louisiana in next hour

Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall within the next hour, according to the National Weather Service in New Orleans.

Francine is now a Category 2 hurricane and is expected to bring life-threatening conditions, power outages and damage to trees, power lines and some homes, according to the weather service's posts on X.

No major issues in New Orleans ahead of landfall, council member says

Jesse Kirsch

New Orleans is not seeing any major problems as Hurricane Francine approaches landfall, a City Council member said.

Council member Eugene Green said there are no major power outages or issues at this point.

He said the city is working to get homeless people into shelters and anticipates that could get too dangerous when winds pick up.

Energy utility Entergy listed fewer than 350 customers without power in Orleans Parish at 4:50 p.m. local time.

Francine strengthens to Category 2 hurricane

Hurricane Francine has grown into a Category 2, bringing a life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions as it approaches the Louisiana coast, the National Hurricane Center said.

As of 4 p.m. CT, the storm was 40 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, and 100 miles west-southwest of New Orleans, the NHC said.

Maximum sustained winds were recorded at 100 mph, and the storm was moving northeast at 17 mph, it said.

Francine's strength is not expected to change much before landfall, which is expected in the next few hours, and the storm is expected to weaken afterward.

It is forecast to cross southeastern Louisiana tonight and move north across Mississippi tomorrow, the NHC said.

Hurricane Francine's eyewall nearing southern Louisiana

Hurricane Francine’s northern eyewall is nearing southern Louisiana, according to the National Hurricane Center. Residents were urged to remain inside and away from windows.

The storm was churning about 60 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, and 115 miles southwest of New Orleans at 3 p.m. local time, according to the NHC. Its maximum sustained winds were 90 mph.

An oil platform east of the NHC local offices reported sustained winds of 74 mph, and peak gusts of 92 mph, at an elevation of 102 feet, the center said.

Winds on Eugene Island were reported at 54 mph, with peak guests of 70 mph, according to the NHC.

Eugene Island is in the Gulf of Mexico, about 170 miles southwest of New Orleans.

Nigel Chiwaya

Parts of southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans and the surrounding area, face a significant risk of flooding.

Areas such as Mobile, Alabama, and Tallahassee and Jacksonville, Florida, are under a slight flooding risk.

The remainder of Florida, along with Shreveport, Louisiana, and surrounding areas are under a marginal risk. 

Louisiana National Guard has more than 2,300 guardsmen ready to assist

The Louisiana National Guard has more than 2,300 guardsmen ready to support areas affected by the hurricane.

Guardsmen have been mobilizing and deploying across the state since Monday and have over 370 high-water vehicles and 87 boats prepared to assist with evacuations, searches and rescues. More than 60 aircraft from multiple agencies are ready to provide aid if needed, the state's National Guard said in a news release.

More than 1 million liters of water, 416,400 sandbags and 55,000 tarps have also been strategically placed for potential distribution.

Following the storm, crews have been assembled to help clear roads and debris.

Flights canceled at New Orleans airport

All flights after 12 p.m. have been canceled due to Hurricane Francine, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said in a post on X, telling travelers it "will remain open unless conditions become unsafe."

Airlines canceled the flights ahead of the hurricane's arrival this evening. Some flights for tomorrow morning have also been canceled.

Dangerous storm surge and powerful winds expected to hit Louisiana in next several hours

Francine is about 95 miles southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, with maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in its afternoon update.

The storm is moving at 16 mph.

Tropical storm conditions are battering the Louisiana coast with life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds expected to begin in the next several hours.

Tornado watches issued for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi

A tornado watch was issued for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi, with the National Weather Service cautioning that several tornadoes are likely. The watch is in effect until 11 p.m. local time, the agency said in a post on X.

A tornado warning is in effect for Louisiana areas including Port Sulphur, Empire and Buras until 1 p.m. local time.

Heavy rain sweeps over southern Louisiana

Kathryn Prociv

The outer rain bands of Francine are spreading over southern Louisiana with hurricane-force winds expected to hit the region within the next hour or two. 

As the storm continues its approach, flood watches have been issued for about eight million people from Louisiana to northeast Florida. 

New Orleans, Baton Rouge and surrounding urban areas could see up to 5 inches of rainfall per hour, triggering rapid flash flooding. Southern Louisiana into southern Mississippi could see rainfall between 4 and 8 inches. 

Strong winds remain a concern with possible wind gusts up to 80 mph. Widespread power outages are likely. 

'Time to evacuate has now passed,' Louisiana official says

Jacques Thibodeaux, the director of the governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the “time to evacuate has now passed.” 

“It is the time to go to ground and hunker down,” he said at a news conference. “We are no longer in the 'prepare for a hurricane,' we are now in the 'respond to a hurricane.'”

Gov. Jeff Landry urged residents to “take the necessary steps preparing for the storm.”

“It is on our doorstep as we speak,” he said. 

The governor reminded residents to remain in their homes after the storm so crews could swiftly assess the damage and begin cleanup.

Curfew is in effect in Morgan City, Louisiana

A curfew is in effect for Morgan City, Louisiana, beginning today at 11 a.m. local time and ending tomorrow around 6 a.m. local time, police said.

The city is expected to see wind gusts upward of 90 mph. Police Chief Chad M. Adams urged residents to shelter in place during the hurricane and to keep streets clear so that damage could be accessed after the storm passes.

Morgan City is located about 70 miles west of New Orleans, "right in the middle of everywhere," according to the city's website.

Biden approves emergency declaration for Louisiana

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Louisiana, making federal disaster assistance available to the state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today.

"The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts to alleviate the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the designated areas," the agency said.

Louisiana governor to provide update on hurricane preparations

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry will provide updates and address what the state is doing to prepare for the hurricane during a news conference at 11:30 a.m. local time.

New Orleans airport to remain open unless conditions become unsafe

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will remain open as long as conditions are safe, airport officials said in a post on Facebook . Passengers are being told to check with their airline for any delays or cancellations. 

More than 140 flights into and out of the airport have been canceled. 

Strong winds, flooding and possible tornadoes expected in Alabama

Alabama should be prepared for strong winds, flooding and possible tornadoes, the state’s Emergency Management Agency said. Baldwin and Mobile counties are under a tropical storm warning and a flood watch, the agency said. A flood watch is also in effect for Washington County. 

Threats of tornadoes have increased and a few are possible in the southwestern parts of the state from this afternoon through early tomorrow. The entire state could see tornadoes beginning late tomorrow morning into the evening. 

The agency cautioned that tornadoes in a tropical system often develop fast with little advanced warning and can be “rain-wrapped,” making them difficult to see. 

“If a warning is issued for your area, take immediate   action by getting to the lowest floor of a sturdy building,” EMA said. 

Francine is expected to bring wind gusts at or above 40 mph in rain bands and nonprecipitation wind gusts of 25 mph to 40 mph. Heavy rainfall is also a threat with 2 to 4 inches of rain forecasted for much of the state through early Friday. 

The rain could trigger local flooding in urban areas and coastal flooding in low-lying areas. 

Landfall expected in Louisiana from 4 p.m. today

Patrick Smith Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Hurricane Francine is likely to make landfall between Avery Island and Houma, Louisiana, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET today.

This will be the seventh hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana in the last eight years. Here is a rundown of the main threats.

As much as 12 inches of rain could fall in some areas across southern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.

The sheer amount of rain, between 3 and 5 inches per hour, could cause rapid flash flooding especially in urban areas such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Flood watches are in place for 8 million people from Louisiana to northeast Florida, with the threat of heavy rain and flooding moving north and east tomorrow from the Florida Panhandle into southern Illinois.

Storm surge

The highest storm surge of between 5 and 10 feet is possible along the southcentral Louisiana coast between Vermillion Bay and Port Fourchon.

Areas around Lake Pontchartrain could experience 4 to 6 feet of storm surge. Areas on the northern periphery of Lake Pontchartrain will be at higher risk for inundation because that part is not as heavily leveed as the southern end.

While Francine is expected to rapidly weaken after landfall, wind gusts up to 80 mph will still be possible across southern Louisiana.

Widespread power outages are likely and tornadoes are also a formidable risk today, especially across southeast Louisiana into southern Mississippi and the western Florida Panhandle through the night.

What New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Gulfport can expect today

New Orleans : Rain begins around 10 a.m. ET with the heaviest downpours likely between 12 p.m. and 12 a.m. ET; wind gusts up to 60 mph, peaking between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Baton Rouge : Rain begins around 10 a.m. ET with heaviest downpours between 1 p.m. and 12 a.m. ET; wind gusts up to 50 mph, peaking between 7 p.m. and midnight.

Lafayette : Rain beings around 9 a.m. ET, with the heaviest rain between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET; wind gusts up to 50 mph, peaking around 6 p.m.

Gulfport : Heavy rain begins by 12 p.m. ET and continues into the early morning hours tomorrow; wind gusts up to 60 mph, peaking around midnight.

Louisiana braces as Hurricane Francine gains strength in the Gulf

A state of emergency is in effect for Louisiana as Hurricane Francine gains strength through the Gulf of Mexico. There could be as much as 6 feet of storm surge. NBC’s Jesse Kirsch reports and the "TODAY" show’s Al Roker tracks the latest forecast.

Louisiana teenagers work 14 hours straight stacking sandbags ahead of Francine's arrival

A group of teenagers from the small community of Lafitte, Louisiana, south of New Orleans, spent 14 hours stacking sandbags yesterday, NBC affiliate WDSU of New Orleans reported .

The group, part of a sports teams, had been working alongside their coach since 6 a.m. yesterday and planned to come back early today to carry on protecting the low-lying area.

There is a mandatory evacuation order in place for Lafitte and the surrounding area.

A long list of schools are shut today and tomorrow across Louisiana. WDSU has the details .

Tropical storm Francine bears down on Gulf Coast

Tropical storm Francine was expected to make landfall as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane along the Gulf Coast today, with storm surge the biggest threat along the coast. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch reports on how New Orleans is preparing for the storm.

Meteorologist: Don't underestimate Francine's potential impact on New Orleans

Hurricane Francine poses a real and serious risk to New Orleans that should not be underestimated, Jon Porter, chief meteorologist at private weather forecasting company AccuWeather, said last night.

"AccuWeather hurricane experts are becoming increasingly concerned about the risk for damaging winds in the densely populated New Orleans metropolitan area," Porter said in a media advisory note .

“Should Francine pass closer to the city, the storm’s eyewall, the most intense part of the storm can pass near or over parts of the city, which would increase the risk for wind gusts of 80-100 mph," he added, noting that this could cause widespread and potentially long-lasting power outages.

People should, he advised, be prepared with enough food and water to last several days.

"There are a lot of other headlines in the news this week. We are concerned that this storm is not getting enough attention and that some people may be caught off guard by the strength and damaging impacts from Francine," Porter said.

New Orleans residents stock up as Francine nears

Max Butterworth

Roxanne Riley, 42, stocks up on supplies at a Walmart as she prepares to shelter in place in New Orleans as Tropical Storm Francine barrels toward the Louisiana coast yesterday.

Francine could reach near-Category 2 hurricane strength, hurricane center warns

As Francine slowly makes its way toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, with landfall expected today, the National Hurricane Center warns that the storm could continue to strengthen and become almost a Category 2 hurricane.

Category 1 storms have wind speeds of between 74 and 95 mph; Category 2 is from 96 to 110 mph. Francine has sustained wind speeds of 90 mph, the NHC said in a 2 a.m. update.

The hurricane center said its intensity forecast shows Francine nearing category 2 strength this morning.

"A notable increase in shear and intrusions of dry air should end the opportunity for strengthening just before Francine reaches the coast," it said.

Some positive news for people in its path: the cyclone will rapidly weaken once it moves inland.

Weather report: Hurricane Francine approaches the Louisiana coast

Violeta Yas, NBC New York

Residents across the Gulf Coast are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Francine. Most of Louisiana's coastline is under a hurricane warning. NBC News meteorologist Violeta Yas has the latest forecast on "Early TODAY."  

Hurricane Francine barrels toward Louisiana

Satellite images released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show Hurricane Francine in the Gulf of Mexico as it advances toward Louisiana late yesterday.