A state of emergency has been declared in Louisiana ahead of Tropical Storm Francine, which is forecast to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane along the state’s coast Wednesday evening.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued the declaration Sept. 9 in anticipation of the storm. It’s effective through Sept. 18 unless amended, terminated or rescinded.
As a result of the declaration, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has waived normal size and weight regulations for commercial vehicles operating for the purpose of emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts, allowing a total gross weight of up to 88,000 pounds. Trucks are still required to abide by posted weight limits for bridges.
Additionally, DOTD is waiving all tolls collected on the Louisiana Highway 1 toll bridge from Leeville to Port Fourchon and Grand Isle.
The issuance of an emergency declaration also automatically triggers an exemption from 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 395.3 (maximum driving time) for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance during an emergency.
According to reports from AccuWeather, Tropical Storm Francine was close to hurricane intensity as of Tuesday afternoon. It is expected to continue to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico as it moves toward the Louisiana coast. AccuWeather also reported that Louisiana is expected to bear the brunt of the storm’s wind, rain and storm surge.
Hurricane warnings are in effect for areas along the Louisiana coast, and tropical storm warnings have been issued for the Texas and Mississippi coasts.
[Related: Tips for how to be prepared for hurricane season]