St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana – As Hurricane Francine closes in on the Louisiana coast, residents in low-lying areas are being urged to evacuate as fears of storm surge and flooding grow. The potentially destructive storm is expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency in several parishes along the Gulf Coast.

Local authorities have been working tirelessly to prepare for the impact of the hurricane, setting up emergency shelters and deploying resources to assist those in need. The National Weather Service has issued warnings of high winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges that could pose a significant threat to coastal communities.

In addition to the immediate danger posed by the storm, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the region’s oil and gas infrastructure. Maps detailing the facilities in Francine’s path have highlighted the vulnerability of these vital resources, raising fears of supply disruptions and price increases in the energy market.

The oil market is already feeling the effects of the approaching storm, with prices rebounding after a recent drop as traders assess the potential impact on demand. The uncertainty surrounding the storm’s trajectory through the oil-rich Gulf of Mexico has led to speculation about its implications for gas prices in the coming days.

As residents and authorities brace themselves for the arrival of Hurricane Francine, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those in the storm’s path. Emergency response teams are on high alert, ready to assist with any evacuations or rescue operations that may be necessary as the storm intensifies.