Francine strengthens into a hurricane as Louisiana residents prepare for landfall

Francine has strengthened into a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and is advancing toward Louisiana. A hurricane warning is in effect along the Louisiana coast from the border with Texas eastward to Grand Isle, about 50 miles south of New Orleans. Storm surge warnings also are in effect in Texas and Louisiana. Francine is the sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season. Evacuation orders have been issued in some coastal Louisiana communities and residents have begun filling sandbags in preparation for heavy rains and widespread flooding. The National Hurricane Center said Tuesday night that Francine has powered up to maximum sustained winds of 75 mph to gain hurricane status.