Hurricane Francine Lafayette live blog

Aaron Gonsoulin
| The Daily Advertiser

Editor’s note: This free story will be updated regularly with coverage of Hurricane Francine. Follow our statewide live blog for more coverage.

Lafayette Police urge bail for flooded roads

Sept. 11/10:32 am

Residents of southeast Louisiana are bracing for Hurricane Francine, and flooding and road closures are expected in Lafayette Parish.

According to the Lafayette Police Department, safety is the top priority. LPD has provided roadways in the Lafayette area that are prone to flooding that should be avoided during this storm:

Jefferson Street and the underpass
Jefferson Street and Lee Avenue
Jefferson Street and Convent Street
Jefferson Street and Main Avenue
Taft Street and the railroad tracks near Vermilion Street
North University Avenue and the underpass
Moss Street and Mudd Avenue
Mudd Avenue and Evangeline Thruway
Willow Street and North University Avenue
Bertrand Drive and South College Road
Camellia Bouvard and Eastland Drive
Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Guilbeau Road
Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Eraste Landry Road
Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Ridge Road
Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Dulles Road
Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Dover Road
Long Plantation Road and Starling Lane

Lafyette Consolidated Government has provided roadways that can be observed in a real-time map to see road closures due to high water and debris. Click here to view: Road Closures

Officials offer tips for generator safety

Sept. 11/10:17 am

Residents who find themselves without power due to Hurricane Francine may employ a generator, but officials say there are a few things to consider while using one.

On Tuesday, Sept.10, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco Boulet held a news conference at Lafayette Consolidated Government, updating residents on what to expect in the coming days.

Though Hurricane Francine is now expected to shift east, Boulet said residents should still be prepared for what is to come.

“We still expect tropical storm-strength winds to hit Lafayette, and I asked citizens to find a secure location when the storms come through,” Boulet said.

Boulet said residents should expect to be without power for some time.

“We are planning for all impacts that a storm can bring,” she said.

Some residents may rely on their generators to power their home and appliances while they wait out the storm. In doing so, there are a few things to consider.

Fire Chief of the City of Lafayette Fire Department Robert Benoit spoke on safety tips for residents when/if the power goes out.

“You may lose power, and when you lose power, make sure you unplug all of your electrical appliances until the power is restored,” Benoit said.

Benoit noted that if you are going to use a generator, make sure that any flammable or combustible liquids are not in the generator’s area.

Benoit said to keep your generator is on the outside of the facility.

“Make sure there is a lot of ventilation in that area so that you do not consume the fumes,” Benoit said.

Power extension cards are used to help power appliances when running a generator. Benoit said those cords tend to get hot, so be sure to cover them under rugs or carpets.

“It’s raining, it’s going to be wet, so water and electricity do not mix,” Benoit said. “So be careful with that as you keep yourself safe.”