Hurricane Francine has left a significant mark on Metairie, Louisiana, as one meteorologist warns that “almost every road” in the area is now impassable. The storm, which was the sixth named hurricane of the Atlantic season, made landfall Wednesday evening as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing with it heavy rains, hurricane-force winds, and a perilous storm surge.
Emerging after a brief lull in tropical activity following Hurricane Ernesto, Francine was characterized by meteorologists as part of an active hurricane season influenced by the El Niño phenomenon and unusually warm sea surface temperatures. This combination has been noted as setting the stage for a particularly turbulent hurricane season this year.
Matthew Cappucci, a meteorologist with MyRadar Weather, reported that flooding in Metairie is severe. He noted in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was stranded in his vehicle due to rising floodwaters, stating, “1-2 feet of floodwaters. Power everywhere is out.” He reassured followers about his safety while highlighting the dire situation on the streets of Metairie.
Hello. I am safe but I don’t have any cell service to post photos. Almost every road in Metairie is impassible.
1-2 feet of floodwaters. Power everywhere is out. I got to the point where going further would be unsafe, so am currently in my vehicle in only parking lot not flooded.
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) September 12, 2024
Further updates indicated that over 10 inches of rain fell in just a few hours, leading to what Cappucci described as “major flooding” across the New Orleans area. He urged residents to avoid driving in flooded conditions, particularly during nighttime, the most perilous time to be on flooded roadways.
MAJOR flooding across most of New Orleans due to 7-10 inches of rain.
Flash flood EMERGENCY in effect.
I have seen vehicles stalled out and am currently hunkered down in the parking lot above water line. Camping here tonight.pic.twitter.com/dmZSRr9gys
— Matthew Cappucci (@MatthewCappucci) September 12, 2024
The National Weather Service echoed the urgency of the situation, issuing a warning against attempted travel in the area. They also confirmed a dangerously high level of precipitation leading to widespread flash flooding. Videos and posts on social media reflected the despair, with individuals sharing images of their submerged properties and vehicles.
Y’all. Water is up to my front porch in Metairie. Have never seen this in my life. I think my car is still ok.
No water pressure and no cell service, but we never lost power!!!! pic.twitter.com/0Nbi4kfZeX
— Emily C. Fransen (@efransenmusic) September 12, 2024
As dawn broke, signs of recovery began to emerge. Roads started to clear, but debris and the aftermath of the flash floods lingered. Will Nunley, a correspondent for WeatherNation, shared observations of the situation saying, “Power is out to several neighborhoods and crews are working on clearing trees and storm drains.”
‘The aftermath’ of flash flooding here in Metairie, LA. Roads are clearing but signs of the water levels and debris are left behind. Power is out to several neighborhoods and crews are working on clearing trees and storm drains. @WeatherNation #NOLA pic.twitter.com/rDsHK5BHIp
— Will Nunley (@willnunley) September 12, 2024
Reports indicated that over 361,000 residents in Louisiana were without power on Thursday morning. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center announced that Francine had downgraded to a tropical depression, continuing to pose a risk of heavy rainfall across the Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and Southeast region.