Riding Out the Storm: Facing Hurricane Francine in Louisiana

As Hurricane Francine approaches Louisiana, many of us can feel the familiar anxiety that comes with the threat of a major storm. It's something Louisianans know all too well. If you’ve grown up here or spent any time in the region, you’ve likely experienced the rush of last-minute preparations, the uncertainty of evacuation, and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies each storm season. Yet, amid the chaos, there's a unique sense of resilience and faith that we tap into — one that has carried generations of Louisianans through the worst storms in history.

A History of Louisiana’s Most Devastating Hurricanes

Louisiana has seen more than its fair share of hurricanes over the years. Some storms have left lasting scars, not just on the landscape but on our communities, our families, and our collective memory. Here are some of the most devastating hurricanes recorded in Louisiana's history:

1. Hurricane Katrina (2005)

Katrina will forever be etched in the minds of Louisianans as one of the deadliest and costliest hurricanes in U.S. history. Making landfall as a Category 3 storm, it caused catastrophic flooding in New Orleans due to levee failures. The loss of life, property damage, and the displacement of residents were unprecedented, with over 1,800 fatalities and damages exceeding $125 billion.

2. Hurricane Ida (2021)

Ida was another Category 4 storm that slammed into Louisiana with winds reaching up to 150 mph. It struck on the anniversary of Katrina, leaving an eerie sense of déjà vu. Entire communities were left without power for weeks, and the storm caused widespread flooding. Ida’s destruction reminded us how vulnerable we remain, even after years of recovery efforts following Katrina.

3. Hurricane Laura (2020)

Making landfall as a powerful Category 4 storm, Hurricane Laura was one of the most intense hurricanes to hit the state in recent history. The storm caused widespread devastation in southwest Louisiana, particularly in Lake Charles. Roofs were ripped off, trees were uprooted, and buildings were destroyed, leaving thousands homeless.

4. Hurricane Betsy (1965)

Betsy was one of the first hurricanes to cause over $1 billion in damages, earning it the nickname "Billion-Dollar Betsy." It made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane and flooded large portions of New Orleans, similar to what would happen later with Katrina. Betsy left more than 75,000 homes flooded, and the storm surge overwhelmed the levees in St. Bernard Parish.

5. The Great Hurricane of 1915

Before modern meteorological advancements, hurricanes like the Great Hurricane of 1915 took coastal residents by surprise. It struck New Orleans with winds estimated at over 125 mph, causing significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Nearly 275 people died, and the storm surge wiped out entire communities along the coast.

These storms, while terrifying in their power and scope, have shaped the way we prepare for hurricanes today. They serve as reminders of the importance of preparation, resilience, and faith.

Preparing for a Hurricane: Steps to Take

If you’re living in Louisiana, preparation for hurricanes is a routine part of life. Hurricane Francine is on its way, and whether it turns out to be as destructive as its predecessors or not, preparation is key. Here’s a guide on how to prepare, drawing from both state guidelines and personal experience.

1. Make a Plan

Before the storm arrives, it’s crucial to have a plan in place. This includes knowing your evacuation route, deciding where you will go if you need to leave, and establishing how to stay in contact with loved ones. It’s also wise to check with local authorities for recommended evacuation zones.

2. Stock Up on Essentials

Once the hurricane warnings start rolling in, many rush to the stores to buy up supplies. Don’t wait until the last minute! Stock up on:

• Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)

• Non-perishable food items (enough for at least 3-5 days)

• First aid supplies

• Flashlights, batteries, and candles

• Prescription medications

• Cash (since ATMs may be down after the storm)

• Gas (fill your vehicle’s tank ahead of time)

3. Prepare Your Home

Protecting your home is essential. If possible, board up windows to prevent them from breaking due to flying debris. Secure loose items in your yard, such as patio furniture and trash cans. If you're in a flood-prone area, consider sandbags or elevating valuables in case of flooding. And, of course, make sure you have insurance coverage.

4. Stay Informed

Stay tuned to local news stations, weather apps, and the National Hurricane Center’s updates. Information can change quickly, and staying informed could mean the difference between safety and danger.

5. Create an Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit should include:

• A battery-powered radio

• Extra batteries

• A multi-tool or pocket knife

• Personal hygiene items

• Important documents in a waterproof container (birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.)

• Maps and emergency contact numbers

6. Faith and Family

As important as it is to be physically prepared, mental and emotional preparedness can make all the difference. Lean on family, friends, and your faith community for support. These connections can help ease the burden of stress and fear that hurricanes often bring.

Faith in the Eye of the Storm

Storms, both literal and figurative, have a way of testing our faith. When the winds howl and the floodwaters rise, it's easy to feel small and powerless. But as someone who’s weathered many of life's storms — from hurricanes to personal struggles — I’ve come to see these moments as opportunities to deepen my trust in God.

In Matthew 8:23-27, we see Jesus and His disciples on a boat when a fierce storm hits. The disciples panic, afraid for their lives. But Jesus is asleep, unshaken by the chaos around Him. When the disciples wake Him, He calmly rebukes the storm, and all is calm again. The storm tested the disciples' faith, but it also revealed Jesus' power and authority over even the most violent forces of nature.

In times like these, when a storm like Hurricane Francine bears down on us, it’s normal to feel fear. Yet, this is also a chance to lean into our faith, knowing that even in the worst storms, God is present. As Psalm 46:1-3 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

Facts About Hurricanes

To better understand the forces behind hurricanes like Francine, here are some key facts:

• Hurricanes Form Over Warm Water: Hurricanes require sea surface temperatures of at least 80°F to form. That’s why the Gulf of Mexico, with its warm waters, is such a hotspot for hurricane activity.

• The Eye of the Hurricane: The calmest part of a hurricane is its eye, a circular region of relatively calm weather found at the center of the storm. However, this calm is surrounded by the most dangerous part of the hurricane — the eyewall, which has the strongest winds and heaviest rains.

• Categories of Hurricanes: Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speeds, with Category 5 being the most dangerous. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale helps people gauge the potential destruction.

• Storm Surge: Often, the most dangerous part of a hurricane isn’t the wind but the storm surge — a rise in sea level that can cause catastrophic flooding, particularly along the coast.

• Climate Change and Hurricanes: As global temperatures rise, so do sea surface temperatures, which may contribute to the formation of more powerful storms. There is an ongoing debate about how climate change is influencing the frequency and intensity of hurricanes, but the trend points towards more severe storms in the future.

Facing Francine with Faith and Preparedness

Hurricane Francine is on its way, and while we don’t yet know the full extent of its power, we do know this: storms will come, but they will also pass. As a community, we will come together, help one another, and rebuild if necessary — as we always have. With preparation, faith, and support, we can weather any storm that comes our way.

In times like these, it’s comforting to remember that while we might not be able to control the storm, we can control how we face it. And as we face the storm ahead, we stand firm in the knowledge that God is with us — through the wind, the rain, and whatever else may come.