Hurricane "Francine" strengthened to the second category, just before hitting the coast of the US state of Louisiana, threatening the largest city in the state - New Orleans, and significant areas along the Gulf of Mexico with stormy winds and torrential rains, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.< /strong>
The authorities in Louisiana have declared a state of emergency, and an evacuation order has been issued for thousands of citizens, the agency adds.
Maximum sustained winds were 155 km/h, with the eye of the storm coming ashore near the town of Morgan, about 90 km southwest of New Orleans, the US National Hurricane Center said.
Experts predict that no change is expected in the designated second category on the five-point Saffir-Simpson scale. The hurricane is moving northeast at 28 km/h, Reuters notes.
"Disaster is at our doorstep. Please stay where you are until the storm passes. Stay off the roadways," Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry urged at a news conference.
In Morgan, population 11,000, no one is allowed to go outside until 6:00 a.m., local police chief Chad Adams said.
US President Joe Biden in turn declared a state of emergency.