Francine weakens and moves inland after lashing Louisiana

Associated Press

MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) — Francine is weakening after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane as it heads far inland from the Gulf Coast. The system knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, sent storm surge rushing into coastal communities and raised flooding fears in New Orleans and beyond. As heavy rain drenched the northern Gulf Coast, New Orleans awoke Thursday to widespread power outages and debris-covered streets. At its peak more than 450,000 customers were without power. During the storm, the state reported that around 500 people stayed in emergency shelters, that number has since dwindled. There were no reports of deaths or injuries.