Hurricane aid

Francine is weakening after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane as it heads far inland from the Gulf Coast. Power outages and damages are being reported across Central Alabama, including in Jefferson County, Tuscaloosa County and Hale County.

Hurricane Francine is barreling toward Louisiana with an expected landfall with potentially deadly storm surge, destructive winds and widespread flooding. Alabama is also at risk of “considerable” flash and urban flooding.

The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department is ready to help with storm recovery efforts on the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Debby has made landfall in northern Florida as a Category 1 storm, bringing with it the potential for record-setting rains, catastrophic flooding and life-threatening storm surge.

Alabama's governor says five more counties will be eligible for federal aid aimed at helping communities recover from damage caused by Hurricane Isaac.…