Louisiana is bracing for the impact of Hurricane Francine.

The storm, which is growing in strength over the Gulf of Mexico, is expected landfall today.

Francine had strengthened from a tropical storm into a Category 1 hurricane on Tuesday and is expected to reach Category 2 when it hits Louisiana.

States of emergency have been declared in Louisiana and Mississippi ahead of landfall.

Forecasters believe Francine will bring 4-8 inches of rainfall, potential tornadoes and damaging winds to central and eastern Louisiana.

Residents in eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama and western Florida have been warned of a life-threatening storm surge.