mississippi riverboat new orleans

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Sunday Jazz Cruises

Cruise with brunch USD $75.00

Sightseeing option USD $42.00

Holiday Party Package USD $92.50

Dinner Jazz Cruises

Cruise with dinner USD $102.50

Sightseeing option USD $55.00

Holiday Party Package USD $132.50

Daytime Jazz Cruises

Cruise with lunch USD $60.00

Holiday Party Package USD $85.00

Groups of 10 or More

Customers booking groups of 10 or more , please use the code “WEBGROUP” during your checkout process to receive a 10% per person discount .

New Orleans Tours

Swamp & bayou tour, ghosts & spirits tour, plantation tours, special events & packages, holiday party packages.

Upgrade your cruise experience with a seasonal, themed party package!

Sippin’ on the ‘Ssippi

Available Daily on our 2:30pm cruises Special Happy Hour(s) 6 Days a Week

New Orleans Steamboat Company

The New Orleans Steamboat Company is no newcomer to the Mississippi River or American’s steamboat heritage.  Our parent company has been operating steamboats longer than any company in the world.  In fact, we’ve been part of the history of steam transport since 1817, just five years after the first steamboat docked in New Orleans. We’re now in our fourth decade of life on the Mississippi.  We’ve given literally millions of people the experience of one of our country’s oldest and richest traditions..

Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality ...Steamboat Style!

The newest addition to the New Orleans Riverfront & sister vessel of the Steamboat NATCHEZ

WEATHER UPDATE – 9/11/2024

WEATHER UPDATE – 9/11/2024: Due to the inclement weather, all Steamboat NATCHEZ cruises and Gray Line tours will be canceled on Wednesday, September 11th. We apologize for any inconvenience. Stay safe and dry!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code? How far in advance should I make reservations? Can we bring pets on board the boat? Is there any entertainment on your cruises? Where can we park?...

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Mississippi river dinner jazz cruise.

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes. The sounds of a lively jazz band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish Creole buffet in elegantly appointed dining rooms. See details

Historical River Cruise

View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore. See details

Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise

SEE DETAILS

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Riverboat Cruises

The 880 passenger Paddlewheeler Creole Queen is New Orleans’ most luxurious daily excursions riverboat on the Mississippi River. The Creole Queen is an traditional riverboat powered by a 24-ft diameter paddlewheel. She has three private dining rooms giving her the largest indoor capacity available on excursion vessels in New Orleans. Enjoy a Dinner Jazz Cruise, a Historical Cruise, or even one of our Special Event Cruises.

Looking to host a wedding or special event? Private rooms & full boat charters are also available.

View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore.

Step on board and cruise with us into the night where the sleepless activity of America's busiest port buzzes.

Have a true New Orleans style Christmas aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen with a special Christmas Eve celebration.

Spend a romantic evening with your special someone aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen this Valentine's Day in New Orleans.

Celebrate Mom in a special way this year on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen's Mother's Day Bubbly Brunch cruise!

Celebrate Independence Day on the Mississippi River!

Relax this Thanksgiving by taking the family to the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen's Thanksgiving Celebration on the Mississippi River. Skip the stress of cooking a full meal and leave it to the Creole Queen.

Spend an enchanting Christmas Eve in New Orleans on the Creole Queen! Enjoy unparalleled views of the city from our elegant, garland-adorned dining rooms or from the open air of our upper deck.

Come pass a good time aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen with Papa Noel, Mrs. Noel, Gaston the Gator and other jolly Cajun characters during this enchanting family festivity.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New Orleans aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen! Ring in the New Year with a front row seat to the fireworks extravaganza over the Mississippi River.

The Creole Queen is back! View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve and be entertained by a historian narrator with a detailed description of New Orleans landmarks, history, vessel information, and river lore.

Enjoy delicious brunch delicacies as you cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River while listening to the lively sounds of a traditional New Orleans Jazz band.

Join us for a Spooktacular time for the Creole Queen Haunted Halloween Cruise

Step aboard our enchanted Riverboat for a whimsical journey on the Mighty Mississippi, where the magic of Tiana's world comes to life!

Calling all Swifties! Taylor's world tour is landing in New Orleans and we want to welcome her fans, Creole Queen Style!

Get ready for an epic adventure on our Defenders of the River: Superhero Riverboat Cruise, where the fun is as endless as the Mississippi! Meet your favorite superhero characters, groove to the beats of our live DJ, and savor a delectable Creole-style buffet that brings the flavors of New Orleans

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New orleans paddlewheels, inc..

Phone 504.529.4567 or 1.800.445.4109 Corporate Office: 4220 Howard Ave. New Orleans , LA 70125 Departure Location: 1 Poydras St. New Orleans , LA 70130

© New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  |  Privacy Policy

New Orleans Visitors Guide

NEW ORLEANS TOURS

Riverboat tours, steamboat natchez harbor jazz cruise, steamboat natchez jazz brunch cruise, steamboat natchez jazz dinner cruise, new orleans city & cemetery tour + garden district stroll, new orleans interactive ghosts and spirits walking tour, small airboat tour, new orleans craft cocktail walking tour, new orleans school of cooking, new orleans cooking class and cocktail walking tour, large airboat tour, swamp boat cruise with transportation from new orleans, swamp boat cruise & oak alley plantation tour from new orleans, double plantation tour in new orleans, oak alley plantation tour, whitney plantation tour, jingling through the crescent, christmas eve bonfire express in new orleans, group rate: steamboat natchez jazz dinner cruise, group rate: steamboat natchez harbor jazz cruise, group rate: steamboat natchez jazz brunch cruise, swamp boat cruise & destrehan plantation tour from new orleans, christmas eve bonfire adventure in new orleans w/ holiday dinner at destrehan plantation, new orleans city tour and steamboat natchez jazz cruise, new orleans historic garden district walking tour, ultimate swamp tour experience, uncover the best river boat tours in new orleans, new orleans super saver: city tour & steamboat natchez harbour cruise , steamboat natchez sunday jazz brunch cruise in new orleans, river cruise & city tour bundle.

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Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Tours

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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

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Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian describing 300-years of New Orleans history; from the founding of the city by the LeMoyne Brothers to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. During your cruise the vessel will dock at Chalmette Battlefield for a 1-hour excursion. Enjoy a guided tour and talk by a National Park Ranger about the battle of New Orleans, while taking in the sweet breeze and delicate waves along the river. Delight in a cash bar and/or a satisfying Creole lunch option available on the boat while viewing the famous French Quarter and Port of New Orleans from the river .

Description

Stop At: Chalmette Battlefield, 1 Battlefield Road, Chalmette, Louisiana 70043

Disembark at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where you can tour the Chalmette Battlefield including the Malus-Beauregard House and the Chalmette Monument before re-boarding for the return cruise.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 419 Decatur St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

Chalmette Battlefield is located in the Jean Lafitte National Park, making it an exciting and special addition to your river cruise!

Duration: 30 minutes

• Reservations are REQUIRED for all bookings
• Book Your Package On-Line and Receive Your Confirmation
• Departure point: Detailed check-in instructions - including the address and parking information if applicable - will be included in your final confirmation email.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (Approx.)
• Return Details: Returns to original departure point

What's Included

• Local guide
• All Fees and Taxes
• Restroom on board
• 1-Hour at Battlefield
• Alcohol (Cash Bar)

What To Bring

• Confirmation Voucher (printed or mobile)
• Any required or suggested items listed on your confirmation email.

Additional Info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• No outside food or beverages are allowed on board.
• Bags are checked before boarding the vessel to ensure safety during the cruise.
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If altered or canceled due to poor weather, cruise may remain dockside in the event of unfavorable sailing conditions.
• Due to limited capacity, refund requests made less than 24 hours prior to departure will NOT be considered. This includes missing the attraction for any reason. However, your ticket is transferable and valid for up to one year.
• Operated by New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
• If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
• This activity requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• This activity requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Average 4.52 out of 5 stars based on 1,446 traveler reviews collected by Cool New Orleans and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

Still have questions?

We’re here to help. Call Us , " data-help-center="text-us"> Text Us , or Live Chat to speak with a Destination Specialist Product code: C-88100P1

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New Orleans Calendar

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New Orleans Guides

• Senior-friendly tours, activities and things to do in New Orleans
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• Top Day Trips from New Orleans
• Things to do in New Orleans this summer
• Rainy day activities in New Orleans
• Best food & culinary tours in New Orleans
• Family-friendly things to do in New Orleans.
• The Top 10 New Orleans Tours and Activities of 2024

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Privacy policy.

This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use, and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You.

We use Your Personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

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Interpretation The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions.

The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

Definitions For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

• You  means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), You can be referred to as the Data Subject or as the User as you are the individual using the Service.
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We may share your personal information in the following situations:

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The Company will also retain Usage Data for internal analysis purposes. Usage Data is generally retained for a shorter period of time, except when this data is used to strengthen the security or to improve the functionality of Our Service, or We are legally obligated to retain this data for longer time periods.

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Your information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company’s operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.

Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.

The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information.

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Business Transactions If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy.

Law enforcement Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency).

Other legal requirements The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

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Security of Your Personal Data

The security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Detailed Information on the Processing of Your Personal Data

Service Providers have access to Your Personal Data only to perform their tasks on Our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.

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• Google Analytics Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google uses the data collected to track and monitor the use of our Service. This data is shared with other Google services. Google may use the collected data to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network. You can opt-out of having made your activity on the Service available to Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on. The add-on prevents the Google Analytics JavaScript (ga.js, analytics.js, and dc.js) from sharing information with Google Analytics about visits activity. For more information on the privacy practices of Google, please visit the Google Privacy & Terms web page:  https://policies. google .com/privacy?hl=en .

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• The right to say no to the sale of Personal Data.   You also have the right to ask the Company not to sell Your Personal Data to third parties. You can submit such a request by visiting our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” section or web page.
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Exercising Your CCPA Data Protection Rights In order to exercise any of Your rights under the CCPA, and if you are a California resident, You can email or call us or visit our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” section or web page.

The Company will disclose and deliver the required information free of charge within 45 days of receiving Your verifiable request. The time period to provide the required information may be extended once by an additional 45 days when reasonably necessary and with prior notice.

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Under California Civil Code Section 1798 (California’s Shine the Light law), California residents with an established business relationship with us can request information once a year about sharing their Personal Data with third parties for the third parties’ direct marketing purposes.

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Sorting, ranking, and search results

Cool New Orleans wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through Cool New Orleans over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Accessibility

Accessibility modes, online dictionary, readable experience, visually pleasing experience, easy orientation.

Cool New Orleans Accessibility Statement

Accessibility Statement

• www.coolneworleans.com
• September 12, 2024

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Screen-reader and keyboard navigation.

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New Orleans Steamboat Company

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New Orleans Steamboat Cruises

This post compares the various different riverboat tours, paddleboat tours, and cruises available to you in New Orleans to help you choose the right one from you. 

• Meet the Boats
• Daytime/Lunch Cruises
• Evening/Dinner Cruises
• Public $2 Ferries

Combination Packages

• Swamp + Airboat Tours
• Things to Do in New Orleans

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

If you are considering purchasing tourist concession packages, keep in mind that some of these cruises are included at no additional cost in several New Orleans tourist attraction concession passes . 

The two most popular cruises are aboard the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler and Steamboat Natchez (details below), but you can hop on a ferry for just a few dollars.

Each offers a variety of cruises to choose from.

We narrowed down our favorites and compiled a list that describes each trip based on experience type, ticket price, and duration.

NATCHEZ STEAMBOAT

The Natchez Steamboat is the ninth boat with the name.

The current boat boasts modern safety mechanisms within a classic, exquisite oak exterior.

It was recently rennovated and is back to cruising down the Mississippi River on a daily basis!

Take part in her adventure with daily two-hour jazz cruises, including a daytime cruise or an evening cruise . You can cruise with or without lunch or dinner.

Listen to the Captain and crew, some of whom have been with the ship since the 1975 maiden voyage, operate like the seamen of a time gone by. 

This company has received a  4 out of 5 stars  average rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ). 

RIVERBOAT CITY OF NEW ORLEANS

This is the newest addition to the New Orleans Steamboat Company, and it took over for the Steamboat Natchez while that vessel was under repair.

Just like the Steamboat Natchez, this boat is also a paddlewheeler, so functionally, very little will change.

The Riverboat City of New Orleans operated all the sightseeing, lunch, brunch, and dinner Jazz cruises for the New Orleans Steamboat Company during the last few years while the Steamboat Natches was undergoing repairs.

Rest assured that even aboard this new vessel there is plenty of room across its multiple decks to accommodate plenty of guests and fill in for its sister boat.

CREOLE QUEEN PADDLEWHEELER

Built in 1983 with the esteem and allure of the late 1850s paddlewheelers, the Creole Queen features an enormous 24-foot paddlewheel and modern amenities for elegance and safety.

Browse the list of tours below to pick which experience is best for you; gather on the 1,000-passenger deck for live music, dancing, a history lesson, or maybe enjoy lunch or dinner.

This vessel's review profile is a tad lower than its competitor's but still good with an overall average rating of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).

DAYTIME CRUISES WITH OPTIONAL LUNCH

There are basically two different cruises to choose from, one from each company.  

The main differences seem to be that the Creole Queen includes a stop at Chalmette Battlefield at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

It is also included at no extra charge with the purchase of either the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass or the Go City New Orleans Pass .

The Steamboat Natchez offers jazz music on the lunch cruise during the high season. 

Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Cruise

An overwhelming majority of reviews for this jazz cruise are very positive ( read the reviews ).

Some reviewers have even described their band as “magnificent,” suggesting that the music played onboard was absolutely wonderful.

Some customers feel that the experience is a bit too touristy, but they are definitely in the minority.

Most guests leave excellent feedback stating that they loved this musical trip on the Natchez. This activity is particularly popular among couples.

What You’ll Experience:

• Live narration of the history of the area
• Live jazz concert
• Steam Engine room open to visitors
• Lunch (optional) in the dining area onboard

Duration: 3 hours total, 2-hour cruise

• Departs at 11:30 am and 2:30 am
• Adult - $39    $55 with lunch
• Child - $16     $25 with lunch
• Child (2-5) Free    $11 with lunch
• More information or to book .

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Creole Queen -  Historical River Cruise

This vessel has a daytime destination, Chalmette Battlefield at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

• Highly Recommended for history buffs!
• Battle of New Orleans
• 1,000-passenger paddlewheeler on the Mississippi River, with a 24-foot paddlewheel
• Costumed re-enactor recounting history/stories of Louisiana's most historical places and events
• Disembark for a guided tour of Chalmette Battlefield by National Park Rangers from the Battle of New Orleans

Duration: 3 hours

• Departs at 10 am and 2 pm daily.

Lunch is only purchasable onboard.

• Adult $39   $59 with lunch 
• Child (6-12) $15   $24 with lunch
• Child (3-5) Free   $5 with lunch
• Infant (2 and under) Free   $10 with lunch
• Get more information or purchase tickets .

TIP: It is also included at no extra charge with the purchase of either the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass or the Go City New Orleans Pass .

Evening Jazz Cruises with Optional Dinner

Below is a brief comparison of the two paddlewheel boats that cruise the Mississippi River every evening. 

For a more in-depth look, including what's on the menu, read our post on NOLA dinner cruises . 

Steamboat Natchez - Mississippi River Jazz Cruise (optional Dinner)

Unlike their harbor cruise, this boat trip will take you down the Mississippi River.

Ratings for this excursion are similarly excellent, but it’s worth noting that not everyone was thrilled with the food selection ( read the reviews ). 

NOTE: Although this cruise was being offered on the Riverboat City of New Orleans for the last year or two, the newly rennovated Steamboat Natchez is once again the vessel you'll be riding during this outing!

What You’ll Experience

• Ride on the Creole Queen paddle wheeler
• Live jazz music
• Lavish buffet-style dinner | cash bar cocktails
• New Orleans skyline along the French Quarter
• Boards nightly at 6 pm and sails from 7-9 pm.
• $95 with dinner
• $41 with dinner
• $20.25 with dinner

Included free with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass  (dinner is extra).

Creole Queen Evening Cruise (optional Dinner)

Just like their other services, the evening cruise offered by this company is also highly rated.

There are a few negative reviews, but they are overshadowed by positive comments (read the reviews).

• Ride on the Creole Queen paddlewheeler.

Cost (does not include dinner):

• $52 - Adult
• $26 - Child (6-12)
• Kids under 6 are FREE

Cost (includes dinner):

• $95 - Adult 
• $40 - Child (6-12) 
• $15 - Child under 5
• Kids 2 and under are FREE

Get more information or to book . 

CANAL STREET/ALGIERS POINT FERRY

In operation since 1827, this ferry travels across the Mississippi River along Canal Street and ends at the second oldest neighborhood of New Orleans; Algiers Point. 

Unlike the paddlewheeler or steamboat, the ferry offers a cheap trip across the river from Canal Street. Just ask the locals who use this as their commute!

Once you arrive, consider taking our self-guided walking tour of Algiers Point .

This company has received a 4 out of 5 stars  rating on TripAdvisor. 

There are a few negative reviews, but most of them seem to come from customers who were expecting the typical tourist experience.

Although they don’t offer the same range of services as a boat tour or cruise, it’s clear that a lot of their customers are more than pleased with the transportation they provide.

Cost (cash only):

• Pedestrian $2 each way
• Senior (65+) $1
• Children (2 & under) Free
• Sunday - Thursday | 6:15 am - 8:45 pm
• Friday - Saturday | 6:15 am - 10:45 pm

Get more details on their website .

As we have stated above, the Go City New Orleans Pass  and the Sightseeing Pass, are all-inclusive tourist attraction passes, including one free daytime ride on the Creole Queen.  

Included in the cost of the pass is free entry into 25 other popular New Orleans attractions including:

• National World War 2 Museum
• City Bus Tour
• Swamp Tour Plantation House Tour
• New Orleans School of Cooking
• Audubon Zoo
• Audubon Aquarium
• Mardi Gras World Museum
• New Orleans Museum of Art
• + 18 other attractions and tours

Paddle and Wheel Combo by Gray Line

This combo package is a great buy, and with a total of about 4 hours, you can see the city and take a cruise full of historical information.

You save $7/adult with the combo ticket.  

This combination pairs the daytime historical cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez and the  Super City Bus Tour  (video below).

With an overall rating of 4 ½ stars on TripAdvisor, Gray Line New Orleans is very well received.

In particular, both of the services offered through this combo ticket are positively reviewed by their customers.

Much like the Steamboat Natchez, the Super City Bus Tour also enjoys mostly positive ratings.

Although there are a few negative reviews for both tours, they aren’t indicative of any significant problems. This combo deal is most popular among couples.

You’ll Experience…

• French Quarter
• Jackson Square
• Cabildo and Presbytere Museum
• Historic Cemeteries
• Bayou St. John
• Besthoff Sculpture Garden
• Tulane and Loyola University
• 2-hour cruise with a guided history of the region
• Adult $78 
• Child (6-12) $35.50
• Child (5 and under) Free 
• You save $7-$11/adult by purchasing together.  You don't appear to save anything for a child ages 6-12.

Get more information and purchase tickets .

NEW ORLEANS KAYAK TOURS

Want a more intimate excursion on the water? Try kayaking!

Explore the swamps of New Orleans, or paddle down the Bayou St. John neighborhood inside the city with the safety of a guide at a beginner-level pace.

Ratings for this kayak tour company are very impressive. New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours has received an overall score of 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Only a half dozen customers have seen fit to give them a negative review, and their comments don’t represent the typical experience with this service.

An overwhelming majority of reviews for this service are incredibly positive, recommending this trip to anyone who wants to stay active while discovering the swamps of Louisiana.

Although couples are the most likely audience to leave great reviews, guests who bring their friends along for the journey also enjoy these tours.

Tours Offered

• Bayou St. John Tour (Beginner)

Located inside the city, Bayou St. John is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans.

Learn the history of the homes and landmarks, originally settled by Native Americans, and later used for French trading routes.

• Honey Island Swamp Tour (Beginner)

This is the crowd favorite!

Located 40 minutes outside the city, this tour takes you deep into the swamp bayous to see an abundance of wildlife amongst abandoned boat homes.

• Manchac Mystic Kayak Tour (Beginner)

This tour is popular for its serene setting and Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.

You’ll weave through cypress trees and experience wildlife on this wetlands kayaking trip.

Never Kayaked?

No problem! The extent of physical skill needed is the ability to paddle, and a lesson is provided at the beginning of the tour.

The company provides all of the necessary equipment for your trip, but since you will be on the water for 2 to 2 ½ hours, you will want to be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe even a hat for shade on the water.

• Bayou St. John Tour  $49 per person
• Honey Island Tour  $59 per person without transportation
• Manchac Mystic Tour - $59 per person without transportation
• Extra $20 for transportation from French Quarter only for Honey Island and Manchac Mystic Tours

Tours last 2 to 2 ½ hours

Transportation adds 40 minutes each way outside New Orleans via car/shuttle for Honey Island Swamp and Manchac Mystic tours.

KAYAK-ITI-YAT TOURS

The categories (beginner, intermediate & intermediate to advanced) are based on distance, the necessary level of athleticism and exposure to variables/natural elements.

None of the tours require previous kayaking experience.

There are no shuttle transportation costs as all of their tours launch from the city and are reachable by public transportation, bike or a cheap cab ride.

• Big Easy Bayou (Beginner, 2 hours) $49 per person

Best for first-timers and non-athletic travelers.

This two-hour tour of Bayou St. John is a great way to see the neighborhood and see some wildlife in a relaxed atmosphere.

This is a history-based tour with culture, current events, ecology, and all things relevant to Bayou St. John, its surrounding neighborhoods, and New Orleans.

• Pontchartrain (Intermediate, 4 hours) $84

Looking for something more active? Check out this four-hour lake tour that runs the length of Bayou St. John and back!

Bonus, you’ll exit the kayak to stretch and walk over to Pontchartrain Lake, and maybe even take a quick swim!

Like the Big Easy Bayou above, expect to learn about the history and culture of the area.

The Big Easy Bayou is your best option for this company, and the only one recommended for beginners.

Looking for more options? Consider looking at New Orleans Kayak Tours (above) for more newcomer-friendly trips.

Before you book...

WARNING: There is NO exiting these tours halfway through and the Bayou Bienvenue 3 hour tour has no bathroom breaks. Be sure you are committed before you buy your tickets.

This tour company is featured in several top travel recommendations for New Orleans, and explorers wishing to see more than Bourbon Street have given it rave reviews!

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The Mississippi River

Everything you need to know about this crucial waterway, the history of the mississippi river.

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, and has had a major influence on the founding of the United States. The river starts at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ends in Southern Louisiana at the Gulf of Mexico, making New Orleans a major port city. It is about 2,350 miles long.

The Mississippi River was first home to Native Americans until the arrival of European settlers in the 16th century. It then acted as a barrier for claimed territory from Spain, France, and the early United States. The river was a major factor in the fight for Louisiana territory. It was and is still a major transportation artery crucial to the economy and trade, as it is the last port before the Gulf of Mexico. It ends about 100 miles downstream from New Orleans.

The river reaches 191 feet deep in the French Quarter- the maximum depth of the entire river. Because the current is so strong and the water is muddy, you cannot swim in it.

The Port of New Orleans

The Port of New Orleans is one of the busiest ports in the world. It was established in 1717 when France controlled Louisiana. It began as an export for tobacco and indigo, and an import for rice and vegetables, but later grew as a major port for cotton. Steamboats, cargo ships, tankers, and barges are notably seen along the water still today. Approximately 175 million tons of freight are transported along the river each year. Today, it serves as a major port for shipping everything from oil and cars to coffee and poultry. Since the early 20th century, levees, locks, and dams have been built along the water as well.

Ways to See and Enjoy the River

The Mississippi River remains a major part of the New Orleans landscape. Whether you’re jogging beside it in the Bywater, watching the steamboats cruise in the French Quarter, picnicking on the levee Uptown or exploring Old Algiers, the river is hard to miss.

Benches, public art and events line the water making it easier to enjoy. Woldenberg Park is home to several festivals such as Fried Chicken Festival , French Quarter Fest and the occasional NOLA Navy Week, as well as places to sit and enjoy the breeze. It is the prime spot to view fireworks on the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve. It is located just across the street from Jackson Square.

A visit to the Audubon Aquarium or the Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk will put you alongside the waterway as well. 

The Downriver Festival takes place every September to celebrate the cultural, economic and environmental impact and influence of the Mississippi River through live music, food, tours, and educational activities. From the history of the river to the future of our coast, the informative festival highlights it all.

Head Uptown and enjoy a day at The Fly . This local hangout is known for picnics, outdoor activities, barbecues, crawfish boils and relaxing.

Just across the river is Algiers Point , home to quaint local bars, restaurants, and shops. When the ferry is in service, take a quick cruise over. Otherwise, travel over the Mississippi River Bridge and get exploring. See our itinerary here . During the holidays, don’t miss bonfires on the levee .

The Riverfront Streetcar is great for sightseeing. It has six vintage red streetcars that can take you to various attractions along the river.

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Salt in the Mississippi River threatens water supplies yet again. What’s New Orleans’ ‘long-term solution’?

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For the third year in a row, seawater creeping up the drought-stricken Mississippi River is threatening the drinking water supply for the nearly 1 million people in and around New Orleans. 

Leaders from some southeast Louisiana communities say they’re more prepared than last year, when a massive wedge of salt water from the Gulf of Mexico pushed about 90 miles inland, contaminating drinking water in Plaquemines Parish for months and touching off a frantic effort to protect the more heavily populated parishes upriver. Jefferson Parish now has a portable pipeline system that can pump freshwater from safer spots upriver, and Plaquemines has reverse osmosis filtration machines at three of its water treatment plants. 

But in New Orleans, the region’s biggest city, officials have sent mixed messages about their preparation efforts, expressing both confidence in the status quo and an urgent need for a permanent fix, which could include a permanent pipeline system that may be too expensive for New Orleans to build on its own. 

When asked if the city had a long-term solution to saltwater intrusion, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell gave contradictory answers. 

“No,” Cantrell answered flatly to the question, which was posed by an audience member at a community forum on Aug. 27. Cantrell immediately reversed course, saying, “What we do have … we have a long-term solution that was created and put on the table by the city of New Orleans when we had the saltwater intrusion [last year].”

Cantrell stressed that the saltwater wedge posed no immediate risk. As of last week, the wedge’s tip had moved just past Port Sulphur, about 35 miles downriver from New Orleans, according to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The wedge is unlikely to reach the Belle Chasse water treatment plant or the outskirts of New Orleans this month, Corps forecasters said on Friday.

The Corps began work early this month on an underwater barrier , known as a sill, across the river bed near Myrtle Grove in south Plaquemines to lessen the wedge’s upriver progress. Because the sill must be short enough to allow cargo ships to pass, it blocks some but not all of the oncoming saltwater. The Corps built similar sills in 1988, 1999, 2012, 2022 and 2023. 

The growing threat from saltwater intrusion has been fueled by drought in the Midwest, rising seas and the Corps’ efforts to deepen the river for bigger ships, which the agency’s engineers warned decades ago would increase the frequency and duration of saltwater intrusion events.

Climate change is expected to produce longer and more severe droughts and push sea levels higher along Louisiana’s coast. That means salt water invasions and threats to the region’s water supplies may become routine. 

“It’s no threat to us right now, but … we have to push for the long term solution, and we are doing that at the federal level,” Cantrell said at the forum before asking Collin Arnold, the city’s emergency management director, to fill in the details on the city’s efforts.

Arnold explained that the city had been approved to participate in a Federal Emergency Management Agency program that will “provide technical assistance” to help Louisiana parishes “come up with a solution.”

Arnold did not respond to requests for details about the program and other saltwater intrusion response plans. A city spokesperson indicated Arnold was referring to Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Direct Technical Assistance , a FEMA program that the agency says provides “process-oriented” help to local jurisdictions that want to plan “climate resilience” projects. The program offers no direct funding, and it’s unclear how the city plans to use the assistance. 

Overall, New Orleans has “the same response plan as last year,” a spokesperson said, referring to strategies that depended largely on the Corps supplying freshwater barges and portable reverse osmosis units. 

The most significant effort New Orleans undertook on its own last year was to prepare to build a three-sided barrier, called a cofferdam, in the river around a water intake. Led by the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board, the nearly $17 million cofferdam would have held back some of the salt water and allowed barges to pump freshwater into the intake. The S&WB chose a contractor but put the project on hold when the salt water wedge began to retreat late last year. 

New Orleans also floated the idea of a pipeline , but unlike Jefferson’s 15-mile-long portable system, which can be quickly installed when the need arises, S&WB officials say New Orleans’ east bank water needs are so great that a bigger and sturdier system would be needed. 

“We are unfortunately not able to utilize a smaller ‘lay flat’ system as our demand is much higher than Jefferson Parish’s,” a S&WB spokesperson said. “The larger rigid pipe is necessary to convey the volume of water needed to meet demands.”

Jefferson, with a population of more than 425,000, has about 55,000 more people than New Orleans, but the city’s old and poorly-maintained water system is infamously wasteful. According to an audit of the city’s water system in April, New Orleans loses about 70% of its treated water each year due to leaks, theft, billing and metering issues and other inefficiencies. 

New Orleans’ outsized thirst for water means that the city would need a pipeline and pump system costing between $150 million and $250 million, according to S&WB officials. It would extend about 15 miles to the “Kenner hump,” a rise in the riverbottom that serves as a natural barrier to salt water. 

But the pipeline’s price tag, which, on the lower end of the estimated price range would be close to what the city spends on its police department each year, may be too high. Last year, the city tried unsuccessfully to get the federal government to cover 75% of the cost. New Orleans officials appear to be making a similar request this year. 

“What we have heard is positive – that the federal government does want to solve this permanently and make this not a problem anymore,” Arnold said. “So, we’re going to continue to work towards that.”

Verite News reporter Katie Jane Fernelius contributed to this report. 

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by Tristan Baurick, Verite News September 9, 2024

This <a target="_blank" href="https://veritenews.org/2024/09/09/saltwater-threat-drinking-water-long-term-solution/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://veritenews.org">Verite News</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://i0.wp.com/veritenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cropped-Verite-icon.png?fit=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;"><img id="republication-tracker-tool-source" src="https://veritenews.org/?republication-pixel=true&post=17036&amp;ga4=G-MBPTYVCMYR" style="width:1px;height:1px;">

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/live-map-track-the-path-of-tropical-storm-francine

Live Map: Track the path of Hurricane Francine

MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) — Hurricane Francine struck Louisiana on Wednesday evening as a Category 2 storm that forecasters warned could bring deadly storm surge, widespread flooding and destructive winds to the northern U.S. Gulf Coast.

Track the storm with the live map below.

Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City, the National Hurricane Center announced at 4 p.m. CDT. Packing maximum sustained winds near 100 mph (155 kph), the hurricane crashed into a fragile coastal region that hasn’t fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021.

Power outages in Louisiana climbed rapidly to nearly 64,000. Hardest hit by the blackouts was Terrebonne Parish near where the storm’s center hit land, as well as neighboring St. Mary Parish that includes Morgan City.

READ MORE: Strengthened by warm oceans, Francine hits Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane

The National Hurricane Center urged residents in a wide area of southern Louisiana to take shelter for the night as the hurricane moved to the northeast at 17 mph (28 kph). That included New Orleans, where forecasters said the storm’s eye could pass through.

“Conditions are going to go downhill really rapidly over the next couple of hours,” Jamie Rhome, the hurricane center’s deputy director, said in an online briefing just before landfall. “It’s not going to be a good night to be driving on the roads, especially when the sun goes down.”

In Morgan City, gas stations had put plywood on the windows and moved trash cans inside, with a few pumps still serving the trickle of cars passing through earlier Wednesday hours before Francine made landfall.

Retired boat captain Pat Simon, 75, and his wife, Ruth, had earlier loaded all their possessions in garbage bags and tied them down in the back of a rented U-Haul pickup truck as they evacuated their home near the banks of the Atchafalaya River near Morgan City.

“I don’t think it’s going to be that bad, like some of the other ones like Ida and Katrina,” Pat Simon said. “I mean, we’ve had some bad ones.”

Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters, strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 2 storm hours before landfall, the National Hurricane Center said. Category 2 hurricanes are classified as having winds of between 96 to 110 mph (155 to 175 kph), which forecasters say are capable of extensive damage.

The center said a gust of 105 mph (168 kph) was reported from a coastal island and warned that heavy rains and hurricane-force winds were spreading inland across southern Louisiana. “Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows,” the center’s advisory warned shortly after landfall.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry had urged residents to “stay off the roads, stay home and stay put.” He said the National Guard would fan out to parishes impacted by Francine. They have food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including for possible search-and-rescue operations.

Since the mid-19th century, some 57 hurricanes have tracked over or made landfall in Louisiana, according to The Weather Channel. Among them are some of the strongest, costliest and deadliest storms in U.S. history.

READ MORE:  Billion-dollar weather and climate disasters broke U.S. record in 2023, NOAA says

Francine was centered about 65 miles (105 kilometers) southwest of Morgan City and was moving northeast at 17 mph (27 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph (155 kph), the Miami-based hurricane center said.

Morgan City, home to around 11,500 people, sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River in south Louisiana and is surrounded by lakes and marsh. It’s described on the city’s website as “gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.”

Larry Doiron, the owner of a Chevron station just outside of Morgan City limits, said he had enough gas to keep pumps operational through the storm.

“We’re the only place out here for the sheriff’s department, the fire department. We have gas. All the locals depend on us,” he said. “We’re going to try and stay on top of it and hopefully take care of everybody.

President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration that will help Louisiana secure federal money and logistical assistance from partners such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Both Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency, authorizing them to quickly free up resources for disaster assistance.

A hurricane warning was in effect along the Louisiana coast from Cameron east to Grand Isle, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) south of New Orleans, according to the center. A storm surge warning stretched from the Mississippi-Alabama border to the Alabama-Florida border. Such a warning means life-threatening flooding could occur.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said it distributed more than 100,000 sandbags to the southern part of the state and the Department of Education reported a number of school district closures for Wednesday and Thursday.

Bands of heavy rain were hitting New Orleans Wednesday morning. The city’s historic streetcars that roll on South Carrollton Avenue had to ease past cars that motorists parked next to the tracks on the grassy median. The median is a few inches higher than the street and drivers sometimes park there to avoid street flooding.

Francine is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Much of Louisiana and Mississippi could get 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain, with the possibility of 12 inches (30 centimeters) in some spots, Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center.

The hurricane center said parts of Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle were at risk of “considerable” flash and urban flooding starting Wednesday. The lower Mississippi Valley and lower Tennessee Valley could experience flooding later in the week as the soggy remnants of Francine sweep inland.

Francine’s storm surge on the Louisiana coast was forecast to reach as much as 10 feet (3 meters) from Cameron to Port Fourchon and into Vermilion Bay, forecasters said, adding tornado watches also have been posted over a large area of south Louisiana and neighboring Mississippi as the storm heads inland.

— Jack Brook and Sara Cline, Associated Press

Cline reported from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Associated Press writers Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Kevin McGill in New Orleans contributed to this story.

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The Mississippi River is running low again. It’s a problem for farmers moving beans and grain

The water level of the mississippi river is unusually low for the third straight year, forcing barge companies to put limits on how much cargo they can carry and cutting into farm profits, article bookmarked.

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The water level of the Mississippi River is unusually low for the third straight year, forcing barge companies to put limits on how much cargo they can carry and cutting into farm profits.

It was just two months ago that much of the Mississippi River was above flood stage north of St. Louis . Since then, the river level has dropped steadily. The area south of St. Louis has been hit especially hard, mirroring low-water concerns that began around this same time of year in both 2022 and 2023.

As part of the fallout, barge companies are forced to limit the soybeans, grain and other cargo they carry to prevent barges from potentially getting stuck. That means less profit for farmers.

About 60% of U.S. grain exports are taken by barge down the Mississippi to New Orleans , where the corn, soybeans and wheat is stored and ultimately transferred for shipment to other countries. It’s an efficient way to transport crops — a typical group of 15 barges lashed together carries as much cargo as about 1,000 trucks.

With cargoes limited, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's most recent Grain Transportation Report showed that for the week ending Aug. 31, 480,750 tons of grain moved on barges — a 17% drop from the previous week.

Meanwhile, costs were up sharply. Freight rates originating in St. Louis were 8% higher than the same period last year and up 57% compared to the three-year average. Freight rates originating in Memphis were 10% higher than last year, and 63% higher than the three-year average.

Consumers won't necessarily feel much impact, but farmers will, said Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Iowa-based Soy Transportation Coalition.

“When you’ve got a transportation cost increase in any industry the question is, ‘Do I pass those costs onto the customer in the form of a higher price?’” Steenhoek said.

But farmers usually don’t have that option because their product that moves on barges is being sold internationally. If American soybean prices rise, the foreign buyer can purchase from another country, Steenhoek said.

It was just July when the Mississippi River reached major flood levels in places like Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, forcing some people to get around by boat.

All that water flowing down from the upper Mississippi River was offset by drought in states along the Ohio River , which feeds into the Mississippi at Cairo, Illinois. Rainfall in places like Ohio and West Virginia was minimal throughout the summer, worsening in August.

“That drought is growing,” Michael Clay, chief of the Hydraulics and Hydrology Branch of the Corps of Engineers’ office in Memphis, Tennessee, said at a news conference Wednesday. As a result, the Mississippi River south of Cairo is just a few feet higher than the record low levels reached in several places last year — and dropping.

Donny Davidson Jr., a deputy engineer for the Memphis District of the Corps, said dredging operations are being moved around on a frequent basis as worrisome spots pop up.

“Over the last few years, we've really got very good at looking ahead and applying those resources in a very strategic manner,” Davidson said.

Clay said Hurricane Francine is expected to bring several inches of rain to much of the lower Mississippi River, including up to 4 inches of rain in Memphis in the coming days.

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The Evolution of New Orleans’ Flood Defenses: From Disaster to Resilience

• September 9, 2024

New Orleans is a city steeped in history, mystery, and resilience. Known for its vibrant culture, French and Spanish architecture, and world-famous cuisine, the city also has a unique geographical challenge: it sits below sea level. For decades, New Orleans has been associated with flooding, particularly during hurricanes, but the narrative is changing. Today, the city has a complex system of levees, drainage infrastructure, and other flood mitigation strategies that help reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding. However, this wasn’t always the case, and the story of how New Orleans has adapted to these natural threats is one of innovation, disaster, and continual change.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why New Orleans doesn’t flood as catastrophically as it used to during hurricanes, examine the evolution of its flood protection systems, and delve into how the city’s approach to hurricane preparedness has changed over the years.

Featured Image Credit: archpaper.com

New Orleans’ Vulnerability to Flooding

To understand why New Orleans floods during hurricanes—or, more importantly, why it doesn’t flood as much now—we first need to take a look at the city’s geographical vulnerabilities. Much of New Orleans is below sea level, with some areas being as much as 10 feet below. The city’s bowl-like structure, with the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain on either side, creates a perfect recipe for flooding when heavy rains or storm surges occur.

The Mississippi River

The Mississippi River has played a significant role in shaping New Orleans, both geographically and historically. While it provides commerce, irrigation, and sustenance to the area, it also poses a constant threat. Before modern flood control measures, the river was known to overflow its banks during intense storms, flooding large portions of the city.

Lake Pontchartrain

Lake Pontchartrain, to the north of the city, also represents a significant flood risk. The lake is connected to the Gulf of Mexico, and when hurricanes or tropical storms hit, storm surges can push water from the lake into the city, overwhelming drainage systems and causing extensive flooding.

Hurricanes and Storm Surges

Hurricanes are another threat that brings flooding to New Orleans. Storm surges, in particular, can be deadly. These walls of water can rise 10, 15, or even 20 feet in severe storms, threatening to inundate the low-lying city. For centuries, New Orleans was prone to severe flooding during hurricanes, but things started to change in the 20th century.

Early Flood Control Measures

Before the modern levee system, early residents of New Orleans employed primitive methods to try to mitigate flooding. The first settlers built levees—essentially, earthen mounds—along the Mississippi River to prevent it from overflowing. However, these early efforts were far from perfect. The levees often failed during major storms, leading to frequent flooding.

19th Century Levee Construction

As the 19th century progressed, New Orleans saw more serious flood control efforts. The Army Corps of Engineers began building more sophisticated levees, and local governments worked to improve drainage systems. However, the city still faced significant flood risks, particularly during hurricanes. The levees were primarily designed to control river flooding, not storm surges from hurricanes.

The Turning Point: Hurricane Betsy and Federal Intervention

One of the most significant moments in New Orleans’ flood history came with Hurricane Betsy in 1965. Betsy was a powerful Category 4 hurricane that struck Louisiana, causing widespread flooding in New Orleans. The city’s levees failed, and large portions of the city were underwater. Betsy caused more than 75 deaths and extensive property damage.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy, the U.S. federal government became more involved in New Orleans’ flood control efforts. Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin work on a comprehensive flood protection system for the city. This marked the beginning of what would eventually become the modern system of levees, floodwalls, and pumping stations that protect the city today.

Post-Katrina: A New Era of Flood Protection

While New Orleans had seen progress in flood protection by the late 20th century, the city’s worst disaster was still to come: Hurricane Katrina. In August 2005, Katrina made landfall near New Orleans as a powerful Category 5 hurricane. The storm surge overwhelmed the city’s levee system, causing catastrophic flooding across 80% of New Orleans.

Levee Failures and Widespread Flooding

The flooding from Katrina was not caused by the storm’s rainfall alone. Rather, the levee system that was supposed to protect New Orleans from storm surges failed. Water from Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Borgne, and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet breached the flood defenses, resulting in some of the worst urban flooding in U.S. history. More than 1,800 people died, and the damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure was astronomical.

The $14.5 Billion Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS)

In response to the catastrophe of Katrina, the U.S. government invested in a massive overhaul of New Orleans’ flood protection system. The result was the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS), a $14.5 billion project designed to protect the city from future hurricanes.

The HSDRRS includes an intricate system of levees, floodwalls, gates, and pumps. Some of the key features include:

• Levee Strengthening: The levees around New Orleans were rebuilt and strengthened to withstand a 100-year storm (a storm with a 1% chance of occurring in any given year). The levees were also raised in height and fortified with concrete to reduce the risk of breaches.
• Floodwalls and Gates: New floodwalls and floodgates were installed around the city to protect against storm surges. One of the most significant additions was the Lake Borgne Surge Barrier, the largest storm surge barrier in the world, designed to keep surges from Lake Borgne from flooding New Orleans.
• Pumping Stations: The city’s pumping stations were also upgraded. These stations are critical for draining rainwater from the city, which is essential since New Orleans’ bowl-shaped geography means that water has nowhere to go once it enters the city. The upgraded pumps can now remove millions of gallons of water per minute, dramatically reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

Modern Advances in Flood Prevention

With the completion of the HSDRRS, New Orleans now has one of the most advanced flood protection systems in the world. While no system is foolproof, the improvements made after Katrina have significantly reduced the city’s vulnerability to flooding during hurricanes. In fact, many experts believe that if a storm like Katrina were to hit today, the city would not experience the same level of devastation.

Wetland Restoration

Another key development in New Orleans’ flood protection strategy is the restoration of wetlands and barrier islands. These natural features act as the first line of defense against storm surges, helping to reduce the impact of hurricanes on the city. Over the years, coastal erosion and development had severely diminished these natural barriers, but recent efforts have focused on restoring them. Wetland restoration projects, such as the Coastal Master Plan, aim to rebuild Louisiana’s coastline, which can help reduce the risk of flooding in New Orleans.

How New Orleans Is Adapting to Future Challenges

While the city has made tremendous progress in flood control, the future holds new challenges. Rising sea levels due to climate change are a significant concern for New Orleans, as higher seas could increase the risk of flooding during storms. The city is already seeing the effects of subsidence—sinking ground levels—which exacerbates the problem.

In response, New Orleans is exploring innovative solutions to climate change and flood risk. Urban planners are incorporating more green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements, rain gardens, and green roofs, to help absorb rainwater and reduce strain on the drainage system. The city is also investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, including stronger buildings and flood-proof structures, to protect its residents and economy.

New Orleans’ relationship with water is complex, but the city has come a long way in reducing its vulnerability to flooding during hurricanes. From the early levees built by settlers to the post-Katrina flood protection system, New Orleans has continually adapted to its challenges. With modern infrastructure, wetland restoration, and innovative urban planning, the city is better equipped to face the future. While no system can provide absolute protection, New Orleans’ resilience and determination ensure that it is prepared to weather the storms ahead.

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Live updates: Francine weakens to a tropical storm after making landfall in Louisiana as Category 2 hurricane

What to know about tropical storm 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 weakened to a Category 1 hurricane.
• It weakened further tonight into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 70 mph but still packed the potential to bring life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rainfall.
• At 10 p.m. local time, the storm was about 35 miles west-northwest of New Orleans. It was moving northeast at 16 mph.
• A bystander broke a truck window and rescued a man from a flooded pickup on live television during flooding near a New Orleans underpass.
• 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.

More than 340,000 customers without power in Louisiana

Phil Helsel

More than 340,000 customers were without power in Louisiana after Francine struck the state, badly affecting southeastern Louisiana, where it made landfall.

Across the state, 344,338 customers were without power, according to tracking website poweroutage.us .

Utility company Entergy had 259,678 customers affected, Eric Skrmetta, who is on the Louisiana Public Service Commission, said on X.

Francine weakens to tropical storm

After pounding parts of Louisiana, including New Orleans, with heavy rain that flooded streets and homes, Francine weakened from a hurricane to a tropical storm tonight.

There were still hurricane-force wind gusts in the New Orleans area, the National Weather Service said in a n 11 p.m. ET bulletin .

Maximum sustained winds were at 70 mph; a Category 1 hurricane has winds from 74 mph to 95 mph.

Hurricane warnings were discontinued, but tropical storm and storm surge warnings remained in the region.

Louisiana universities close campuses, go remote due to hurricane

Louisiana State University, Tulane University, Xavier University and other institutions closed campuses and announced remote instruction because of Hurricane Francine.

LSU closed its campus , and classes tomorrow are remote. Xavier will also have remote classes tomorrow, with an expected in-person return Friday.

Tulane announced that its campus is physically closed and that remote classes and work will continue through tomorrow evening.

River Parishes Community College closed its campus through tomorrow and told students to look out for further updates.

The University of Louisiana Lafayette said that there was little damage there and that campus will reopen at noon tomorrow.

Nunez Community College previously announced it would close campus today and tomorrow, switching to “virtual operations.”

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

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,” Parish Council member 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.

Hurricane Francine updates: System now a tropical storm as it move though Gulf region

LIVE – Updated at 04:22

Francine strengthened into a hurricane on Tuesday night and made landfall near New Orleans on Wednesday.

The hurricane sent New Orleans residents scrambling to prepare with evacuations underway in multiple areas, impacting certain services and shutting down City Hall. Mayor LaToya Cantrell urged residents to prepare to hunker down.

“Hold the line, stay focused, stay prepared,” she said at a Wednesday briefing.

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Governor Jeff Landry – who had declared a state of emergency to help free up resources to prepare for the storm – instructed residents to take advantage of the electricity they still receive.

By Wednesday night, the system was downgraded into a tropical storm as it moved its way through Mississippi, heading north.

“There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge during the next several hours for portions of the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines, where a Storm Surge Warning remains in effect,” National Weather Service forecasters warned.

Even as Tropical Storm Francine continues to weaken, forecasters ask people to remain vigilant about the rainfall and the potential for flash flooding.

Hurricane Francine makes landfall

• Some storm impacts are already being felt
• New Orleans is coordinating a citywide response

Hurricane Francine takes aim at Louisiana

Hurricane Francine strengthened into a Category 1 storm on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, the storm had maximum sustained winds near 90 miles per hour.

Additional strengthening is possible this morning, although Francine is anticipated to weaken over land.

The storm will make landfall later in the afternoon or evening.

Louisiana utility prepares for storm-related outages as thousands already without power

Utility Louisiana Energy said it is taking proactive steps to trimming trees and limbs away from critical power lines.

“We’ve also requested the help of additional tree trimmers to ensure restoration efforts move quickly and as safely as possible,” they said in a tweet.

Outage tracker PowerOutage.US showed there were already more than 8,200 customers without power on Wednesday morning.

Louisiana’s Cleco Power said it had secured 1,700 additional contractor resources to respond to the storm,

Louisiana’s Cleco Power, a utility that serves multiple parishes in the state, said it was monitoring and preparing for Hurricane Francine, as well.

In a statement, Cleco Power said it had secured 1,700 additional contractor resources to respond to the storm, including line mechanics and vegetation specialists.

“We will continue to look at the intensity and path of the storm to adjust the number of workers needed to safely and efficiently clear debris, repair system damage and restore power to our customers,” said Clint Robichaux, director of distribution operations and reliability.

“Now is the time to prepare, especially our customers in south Louisiana.”

Residents are advised to keep flashlights and battery-powered radios handy, along with charged cell phones and other devices. In addition, Cleco Power says all downed power lines should be assumed to be live.

Storm surge could bring floodwaters to heights up to 10 feet in some areas. If water is rising, residents are instructed to turn off electricity at the main breaker, evacuate, and stay away until waters have completely receded.

Louisiana’s Iberia Parish issues curfew as storm takes aim at nearby community

Hurricane Francine is expected to become a Category 2 hurricane before it makes landfall in south Louisiana on Wednesday.

Iberia officials issued a curfew for their residents ahead of the storm, which is taking aim at St. Mary Parish, according to Iberia Parish President Larry Richard.

Richard urged residents of his community to consider voluntary evacuation on Monday night. On Tuesday, he declared a curfew from 11 a.m. Wednesday through Thursday morning.

“This curfew prohibits and/or controls pedestrian and vehicular traffic, except essential emergency vehicles and personnel. The curfew does not apply to anyone going to and from their place of employment for purposes of work or any other critical or essential business activity as specifically defined by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency,” he wrote.

New Orleans on high alert as Tropical Storm Francine barrels towards coast

Louisiana schools announced closures ahead of the storm

Louisiana schools announced closures on Wednesday as Hurricane Francine approaches.

Louisiana State University said its campus would be closed, with classes held remotely on Wednesday and Thursday. Residence halls and on-campus apartments will remain open, with food available to those on campus. Students who live on campus were told to expect to shelter in place during the storm.

Southern University said its Baton Rouge campuses would close on Tuesday afternoon, with normal operations expected to resume on Thursday by noon. There were also adjusted dining hours for its students.

Northshore Technical Community College said it would remain closed through Thursday, and Baton Rouge Community College transitioned to remote work on Tuesday, with classes canceled on Wednesday and Thursday.

New Orleans Public Schools said all schools would be closed both days, following early dismissal on Tuesday. The East Baton Rouge Parish School System canceled classes districtwide on Wednesday and Thursday, as well.

Louisiana residents fill sandbags for hours ahead of storm

Residents of Louisiana have scrambled to prepare for Hurricane Francine, putting plywood on windows in Morgan City and filling sandbags. While some took the chance to evacuate their homes, others would ride out the storm.

In New Orleans, cars and trucks were lined up for blocks to collect sandbags from the parking lot of a local YMCA.

The National Guard will be deployed to parishes that could be impacted by Francine, bringing food and water.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has declared a state of emergency.

The governor, who is expected to hold a press conference in a little over an hour, commended teens in Lafitte who were filling sandbags and stacking them for “14 hours straight,” according to WDSU.

“#LouisianaStrong,” he wrote in a post of social media.

With reporting from The Associated Press

Flight tracker shows more than 100 flight cancellations at Louisiana airports

Flight tracker FlightAware is reporting more than 100 flight cancellations at Louisiana airports on Wednesday morning.

The website showed 91 had been cancelled at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

At Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, there were 17. And, the Lafayette Regional/Paul Fournet Field had 10.

Cancellations were also shown at major travel hubs in Texas, including in Dallas and Houston.

In Pictures: Louisianans prepare for blow from Hurricane Francine

Louisiana residents are preparing for Hurricane Francine, stopping at gas stations and filling up sandbags.

President Biden approves emergency declaration for Louisiana

FEMA announced Wednesday that President Biden had approved an emergency declaration for Louisiana. The action authorizes the agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts, including mobilizing necesary equipment and resources.

This comes as New Orleans Democratic Mayor LaToya Cantrell reportedly issued a state of emergency in the city, according to NOLA.com.

The city has asked that residents stay off the roads and shelter in place by 11 a.m. The hurricane is expected to hit this evening as a Category 1 storm.

“Conditions will worsen throughout the day—stay safe!” the mayor wrote on social media.

Hurricane Francine will bring life-threatening hazards in coming hours

Hurricane Francine was moving very quickly more than 200 miles to the southwest of New Orleans late Wednesday morning.

The storm strengthened over night, with maximum sustained winds at 90 miles per hour. Francine was shifting, National Hurricane Center Director Dr. Michael Brennan said, to the northeast at 13 miles per hours.

Multiple life-threatening hazards are expected for Louisiana over the course of the next few hours. Brennan said the agency was very concerned about storm surge from Intracoastal City to Port Fourchoun.

The New Orleans metropolitan area was under a hurricane watch. There were tropical storm warnings across the Louisiana coast. Tropical storm conditions are expected into Mississippi, as well.

At this point, Governor Jeff Landry said people should stay indoors and off roads.

“We stand ready,” he said in a press conference.

Louisiana officials give press briefing on Francine response

The time to evacuate has now passed, Louisiana officials warned Wednesday. In a press conference, Republican Governor Jeff Landry said that Hurricane Francine was beginning to impact the state.

“Stay home and stay put,” the governor said, advising people to take advantage of the power they currently have.

“If the conditions are not too rough in the area, then now could be the last opoortunity for you to take photos of your property to assess the damage once the storm has passed,” Landry added.

Residents are also instructed to put important documents in a safe and waterproof place.

“We are now no longer in the prepare for a hurricane, we are now in the respond for a hurricane,” Jacques Thibodeaux who serves as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said.

New Orleans shifts to bus transit services only

The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will shift to bus transit services only on Wednesday, starting at noon.

The city’s emergency preparedness campaign said that all ferry and streetcar operations would remain suspended until further notice.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to hold news conference

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell tweeted that she would hold a news conference on Instagram Live at noon.

New Orleans officials warned in a wide-ranging press conference on Wednesday that there will be street flooding in the major metro. Isolated tornadoes are also possible in the region.

“We are reslient, and we are ready,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She said New Orleanians had done well in following instructions from the city.

There was an uptick in people who signed up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts, and Cantrell said they were prepared in more ways than before.

Conditions are expected to diminish in New Orleans at around 2 p.m., but the worst impacts are expected in starting at around 6 p.m. and lasting through midnight.

Collin Arnold, New Orleans’ director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, said that strong winds at speeds up to 40 miles per hour could knock out power. Louisiana utility Entergy said it added 2,000 lineworkers and hundreds ahead of the storm.

The city is under a hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning, and could see rainfall of 4-8 inches, although local amounts could be higher.

If there is enough rain, Arnold said there could be street flooding. Although, he categorized the situation with pumps and power as “good.”

He expects dramatic improvement around noon on Thursday.

“Again, and I cannot emphasize enough, please, starting this afternoon, and particularly tonight — this evening six, seven o’clock — get off the roads,” he said.

While emergency resource centers have been set up, they will not be open until after the storm passes, should it be necessary.

There were no issues with hospitals and other healthcare facilties. The city was in contact with all of its independent living facilities.

New Orleans shelters are reportedly at capacity, but there are still spaces at New Orleans Recreation Department sites.

Police will be working 12-hour-long shifts, and numerous high water vehicles and boats have been deployed.

The SPCA will respond to issues threatening animals’ lives.

Tropical storm conditions have reached the Louisiana coast as Hurricane Francine moved about 95 miles southwest of Morgan City Wednesday afternoon.

The National Hurricane Center said that life-threatening storm surge and hurricane-force winds are expected to begin in Louisiana during the next several hours.

The timeline for the hurricane’s landfall is still from afternoon to the evening. Little change in strength is expected before it hits.

After that, the system will cross southeastern Louisiana before moving northward across Mississippi on Thursday.

The system is forecast to become post-tropical on Thursday.

Tornado watch issued for New Orleans metropolitan area

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch Wednesday afternoon for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. The watch is in effect until 11 p.m.

A tornado warning was issued for Plaquemines Parish.

“Take cover NOW in an interior room or a small closet if you are in the warning area!” the agency’s New Orleans station said.

Two of its stations along the coast were reported sustained Tropical Storm winds, including Eugene Island and Caillou Lake with (53 mph).

“Also note the elevated platform in the gulf w/ winds of 86 mph gusting to 112 mph. Strong winds will spread inland through the afternoon.”

Tropical-storm-force winds and rain spreading over southern Louisiana

The National Hurricane Center said heavy rain and tropical-storm-force winds are spreading inland across the state.

“Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Have multiple ways to receive warnings and update,” the agency wrote on X.

Hurricane Francine will make landfall later in the day or evening.

Social media users react as storm surge, rain impacts southern coast

Social media users took to X on Wednesday afternoon as Hurricane Francine whirled toward the southern Louisiana coast.

The northern eye wall is expected to move onshore near lower Terrebonne Parish in the next 30 minutes, and people there were told to shelter in place.

Videos and photos showed heavy rainfall and storm surge across the region.

In one video, birds appeared to struggle against the wind in Morgan Place, which was under a curfew until 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Police there would patrol and stop residents who walked through the city.

Famed storm chaser Reed Timmer is livestreaming the storm, and posted video of minor flooding in Dulac.

New Orleans gay bar staying open for the storm

One gay bar in New Orleans is staying open as Hurricane Francine approaches Louisiana.

Phoenix Bar said that Happy Hour prices would be in effect through Thursday at 10 a.m.

“We are open! We have power! We are Hurricane Partying! We are safe!” the bar wrote on Facebook Wednesday afternoon.

On Tuesday, the bar said it was stocked with candles in case the power goes out. New Orleans is expected to see strong winds from the storm.

“We have lots of candles in case the power goes out just remember if that happens the arm wont work so have cash on hand! Stay safe and be prepared!” the bar said.

Phoenix Bar’s owner Tracy Deroche told NOLA.com that he expects business to be steady, and doesn’t think a loss of electricity would affect it .

“When we don’t have power, people usually stay,” he said. “It was 97 degrees in the bar (for the last outage), and people were still in there drinking. They’re just very supportive of us.”

Northern eyewall of Hurricane Francine nears southern Louisiana coast

The northern eyewall of Hurricane Francine is nearing southern Louisiana. The national weather service said hurricane conditions would begin soon for residents in the area.

“Now is the time to stay inside and away from windows. Have multiple ways to receive warnings and updates,” the agency’s New Orleans station warned.

A NOAA at Eugene Island recently reported a near-hurricane-force gust of 69 miles per hour.

Strong winds are forecast to spread inland over the coming hours.

A flash flood warning was issued for Morgan City, Franklin, and Patterson until 9 p.m.

In Pictures: First flooding from Francine seen in new images

The water is rising in Terrebonne Parish as Hurricane Francine begins to impact the southern Louisiana coast.

Hurricane Francine strengthens into a Category 2 storm as it approaches landfall

Hurricane Francine strengthened into a Category 2 storm on Wednesday afternoon. The storm’s eyewall was bringing coastal flooding to Dulac and other coastal Louisiana communities. It is expected to make landfall within the next few hours.

As its eye approaches the state, the National Hurricane Center said that life-threatening storm surge and hurricane conditions were spreading.

Francine was positioned about 40 miles south-southwest of Morgan City and approximately 100 miles west-southwest of New Orleans.

The hurricane has maximum sustained winds of 100 miles per hour, with higher gusts.

What to know before Hurricane Francine makes landfall

Life-threatening storm surge is forecast tonight for the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.

Damaging and life-threatening hurricane-force winds are also expected this evening where there is a hurricane warning.

Francine is also expected to bring heavy rainfall and flash and urban flooding, as well as river flooding, across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night.

Flash and urban flooding is also probably across the Lower Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley from tonight and into Friday morning.

Tammany Parish urges its residents to stay safe as Hurricane Francine’s eyewall breaches the Louisiana coast

Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper urged residents to stay safe on Wednesday afternoon as Hurricane Fracine’s eyewall breached the southern Louisiana coast.

“The eye of Francine is projected to be just to the west of us. Now is the time to stay where you are or get to a safe location,” he said.

“Of course, time is ticking and the timeframe is increasingly reduced.”

Locals should be prepared to hunker down until tomorrow morning and stay off the roads. Power outages are expected in the parish, and Cooper warned about the danger of falling trees.

“Strong winds can turn our beautiful, tall pine trees into hazards,” he cautioned.

The area will see wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour and possibly 4-6 feet of storm surge.

Hurricane Francine expected to make landfall in the next hour

Hurricane Francine is expected to make landfall in the next hour.

The National Weather Service’s New Orleans office said the Category 2 storm has winds near 100 miles per hour.

“Life-threatening conditions are expected across portions of the area,” it said.

Hurricane Francine has made landfall inTerrebonne Parish, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City.

It hit Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 miles per hour.

Hurricane Francine expected to bring several life-threatening hazards: NWS

The National Weather Service is warning residents of multiple hazards related to Hurricane Francine, which will likely make landfall in the next hour.

Sustained hurricane force winds could affect areas west and southwest of the tidal lake, bringing the threat of power outages and damage to homes, trees and power lines.

Coastal areas will see life-threatening water levels , with flooding that may be slow to drain due to wind direction on Thursday.

High rainfall will impact saturated soils and flash flooding could quickly occur in urban and poor drainage areas.

Rises on river areas are expected as the rain drains, including minor flooding along rivers from the north shore through the Mississippi coast.

Several tornadoes are possible in Francine’s bands.

Social media users post dramatic videos of Hurricane Francine as it makes landfall

Hurricane Francine made landfall on Wednesday afternoon. It’s bringing life-threatening hazards to the southern region of the state.

Social media users have taken to X to post dramatic video as the storm comes in.

NWS issues flash flood warning through this evening

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning until 8 p.m. in Thibodaux, Bayou Blue, and Raceland.

Dramatic satellite video shows Hurricane Francine as it makes landfall

Satellite video from CSU/CIRA and NOAA shows Hurricane Francine as it swirls over Louisiana on Wednesday afternoon.

The Category 2 storm is bringing life-threatening flooding, winds, and storm surge.

More than 53K Louisiana customers without power as Francine hits the state

Power failures have begun in Louisiana, impacting more than 53,000 customers.

Power outage tracker PowerOutage.US shows 53,680 customers have been affected .

Earlier in the day, before the storm hit, only 7-8,000 customers were without power.

The hurricane’s severe weather threats inland will continue into the evening.

Jefferson Parish asks residents to conserve water in the hurricane

Jefferson Parish is asking its residents to conserve water by limiting any non-essential activities.

“If we get too much water in our system, it can cause sewer backups. Anything we can do to mitigate helps!” the parish wrote on X.

Storm downgraded to Category 1

Hurricane Francine has been downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane after making landfall in Louisiana, according to forecasters.

A Category 1 storm has winds between 74 to 95mph. That is still enough to cause significant damage.

The storm sustained winds of 68mph in Dulac, Louisiana, according to NBC News. It had a peak gust in the city of 97 mph. A gust of 59mph was reported in Patterson, Louisiana.

Flood warnings issues in New Orleans

New Orleans is now under a Florida warning as Hurricane Francine makes its way through the area.

As the storm made landfall, the National Weather Service in New Orleans issued the advisory.

“We are getting consistent gusts of 55-65MPH across the metro and higher to the southwest. Flooding also likely. Shelter in place and stay away from windows!” the agency wrote on social media.

Floods in New Orleans are always a concern, especially after 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. That storm led to massive flooding in Louisiana and led to a total of 1,392 deaths in its path.

Photo shows Hurricane Francine from space

A new satellite image shows Hurricane Francine from space as the storm made landfall in Louisiana. The stunning visual shows the massive size of the storm, with its bands stretching from Texas to Florida.

The now Category 1 storm is bringing damaging winds and a flooding threat to the Gulf Region. Many communities are under storm-related warnings as it moves through the area.

The storm’s current projected path has it heading into Mississippi, where it will continue to weaken into a tropical depression. It's expected to remain in Mississippi until early Friday morning when it will pass into the Tennessee/Arkansas region.

Curfews are in place for several communities

Several Louisiana communities are using curfews to help keep people off the road and safe as Hurricane Francine moves through the area.

In Terrebonne Parish, a 7 p.m. curfew is in effect for the zone south of the Morganza Levee system, according to WGNO. Officials also warned that the area under curfew is expected to grow.

In Washington Parish, a curfew of 10 p.m. is in place for today and lasts until noon on Thursday.

Officials in Lafourche Parish announced a curfew will be in place until sunrise on Thursday. The local sheriff was in charge of enforcing the curfew, but essential workers needing to be in the storm could have a placecard on their vehicles to show they are essential.

System downgraded to a tropical storm

As Francine moves north through the Gulf region, it has been downgraded to a tropical storm.

During an 11 p.m. update Wednesday, National Weather Service forecasters said the system continues to lose strength as it remains over land.

“As Francine continues inland, the storm will spin down and likely become a tropical depression by late Thursday and a post-tropical cyclone Thursday night or early Friday,” forecasters said.

Even though the storm is weakening, there is still the potential of flash flooding and damaging winds from the system.

“Francine is expected to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding, along with river flooding, across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle through Thursday night. Flash and urban flooding is probable across the Lower Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley into Friday morning,” the service stated.