Shreveport’s Big Role In Hurricane Francine Preparations

While Shreveport sits outside the trajectory of Hurricane Francine the city will play a vital role in preparations for the state.

Late Tuesday Governor Jeff Landry announced that the White House has approved the governor's request for an Emergency Declaration.

"This federal assistance will be pivotal to save lives and property. As Hurricane Francine approaches Louisiana, I appreciate President Biden quickly approving this request" -Jeff Landry on President Biden's Approval

Shreveport Fire Department (SFD) sent a team of two firefighter crews to Baton Rouge on Tuesday to provide an extra hand of help to the areas of the state expected to get the worst of Francine. SFD has also sent a few men to Baton Rouge to meet with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (SFM) as part of the Incident Support team.

The Incident Support team will be in charge of several Urban Search and Rescue teams that will be deployed to assist those left stranded by Francine.

Shoutout to Cpt. William Millsaps, Cpt. Trey Jordan, Cpt. Richard Davidson, and Cpt. Joseph Prator of the SPD who are key members of the Incident Support team along with the SFM, Baton Rouge Fire Department, and Caddo Fire District One.

The US National Weather Service (NWS) as a whole is possibly one of the most important resources in the event of extreme weather like a hurricane. Louisiana is under the watch of four different NWS Forecast Offices, including Jackson, Lake Charles, New Orleans, and Shreveport. The NWS of Jackson, Mississippi, and New Orleans, Louisiana will be incredibly vital in preparations for Francine as they are directly in the expected path of Francine after she makes landfall. The NWS of Lake Charles will also play an important role in Louisiana's coastline, which is expected to be hit hard.

The NWS of Shreveport is working hard as they watch Francine and keep a constant update on their website and social media to keep everyone up to date on Francine's trajectory.