Fear of deadly storm surge as Hurricane Francine strengthens

Bridges are closed just miles from the Gulf of Mexico as the effects of Hurricane Francine are felt along the Louisiana coast (Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate via AP)

Hurricane Francine has strengthened into a Category 2 storm and is expected to make landfall in Louisiana.

Forecasters have raised threats of a potentially deadly storm surge, widespread flooding and destructive winds on the northern Gulf coast.