This Morning’s Top Headlines – Sept. 12 | Morning News NOW

Summary

Hurricane Francine, downgraded to a tropical storm, hit Louisiana as a Category Two hurricane, causing extensive flooding and power outages. New Orleans saw some flooding, but the city's infrastructure held up relatively well. The storm's aftermath includes concerns over generator use and potential house fires as power is restored. Meanwhile, the western United States faces a different threat with over 65 large wildfires burning, particularly in California, Oregon, and Nevada, leading to evacuations and property damage. The political landscape also heats up with candidates returning to the campaign trail post-debate, focusing on battleground states like North Carolina.

Takeaways

• 🌀 Hurricane Francine, initially a Category 2 hurricane, has been downgraded to a tropical storm after making landfall in Louisiana, causing significant wind, rain, and flooding.
• 🚨 New Orleans and surrounding areas experienced heavy rainfall, with some regions receiving as much as eight inches, leading to widespread flooding and rescue operations.
• 🚗 A dramatic rescue in New Orleans involved a Good Samaritan who pulled a driver from his truck stuck in floodwaters, highlighting the dangers of driving through floodwaters.
• 🏠 Power outages affected tens of thousands in Louisiana, with concerns about the proper use of generators to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• 🚨 Emergency responders faced challenges with downed power lines and road closures, urging residents to stay home to allow for effective emergency management.
• 🔥 On the west coast, wildfires raged across several states, with over 65 large fires burning and impacting tens of thousands of people, particularly in California, Oregon, and Nevada.
• 🌪️ The weather forecast includes a tornado watch for the Florida Panhandle and Alabama, with the potential for flash flooding in areas like Jackson and the Florida Panhandle.
• 🏛️ The political landscape includes campaign activities resuming post-debate, with candidates focusing on battleground states like North Carolina, aiming to sway voter sentiment.
• 🗳️ The influence of celebrities on elections is discussed, with Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris potentially impacting voter engagement and preferences.
• 📢 False narratives and their impact on communities are highlighted, with discussions on the spread of misinformation regarding immigrant communities in Ohio.

Q & A

What was the status of the storm discussed in the script?

The storm, previously a Category Two Hurricane, had weakened to a tropical storm at the time of the report.

What was the impact of the storm on Louisiana?

The storm made landfall in Louisiana with 100-mile-an-hour winds, causing heavy rain and widespread flooding. It also led to power outages and concerns about carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use.

How did the storm affect the city of New Orleans?

New Orleans experienced flooding and power outages, with tens of thousands of people reported to be without power. There were also reports of drivers needing rescue after driving into floodwaters.

What challenges were first responders facing due to the storm?

First responders faced challenges such as navigating through flooded city streets, dealing with downed power lines, and addressing hundreds of thousands of people without power.

What advice was given to residents regarding generator use during power outages?

Residents were advised to use generators properly, keeping them at least 20 feet from any home opening, using the proper extension cords, and allowing them to cool down before refueling.

What was the situation with wildfires mentioned in the script?

The script mentioned that dangerous weather conditions were impacting tens of thousands of people out west due to raging wildfires, with over 65 large fires burning across the United States, particularly in California, Oregon, and Nevada.

How did the script discuss the political campaign activities?

The script discussed that candidates returned to the campaign trail after the presidential debate, with Kamala Harris heading to North Carolina and Trump holding an event in Arizona.

What was the controversy mentioned regarding the city of Springfield?

There was a controversy over false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, where it was falsely claimed that they were eating pets, causing tension and concern among the immigrant community.

How did the script address the influence of celebrities on politics?

The script highlighted the influence of celebrities like Taylor Swift on politics, noting her endorsement of Kamala Harris and the potential impact of such endorsements on political engagement, especially among young voters.

What was the reaction to the presence of a conspiracy theorist at the 9/11 remembrance?

The script mentioned that the presence of a conspiracy theorist who previously pushed a false narrative about the 9/11 attacks was met with disgust by many, especially those who lost loved ones on September 11th.

Outlines

00:00

🌀 Hurricane Impact and Safety Concerns

The script discusses the aftermath of a hurricane that hit Louisiana as a Category Two storm, causing extensive damage with 100 mph winds, heavy rain, and flooding. The storm's downgrade to a tropical storm is noted, but concerns remain high due to power outages, flooding, and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper generator use. Emergency responders are tackling issues like rescuing stranded drivers and dealing with downed power lines. The public is advised to stay home and allow first responders to manage the situation, while also being cautious of potential house fires once power is restored.

05:01

🔥 Wildfires and Hurricane Season Updates

This segment covers the impact of dangerous weather conditions, including wildfires in the western United States and the ongoing threat of Hurricane Francine. Over 65 large fires are burning, particularly in California, Oregon, and Nevada, leading to evacuations and significant property damage. The discussion also includes the potential for Francine to maintain tropical storm characteristics and the associated risks of heavy rain and tornadoes. The hurricane season's peak is noted, with a watch on developing weather systems that could form into tropical depressions.

10:01

🏛️ Political Campaigns and Controversies

The script shifts to political news, focusing on campaign activities following a presidential debate. Kamala Harris is mentioned as campaigning in North Carolina, a battleground state, while Trump is reported to have an event in Arizona. The debate's viewership is highlighted, surpassing the previous debate's numbers. The narrative also touches on conspiracy theorists and controversial figures associated with Trump, as well as the spread of false claims about immigrant communities in Ohio, which have been refuted by local authorities.

15:02

🗳️ Celebrity Influence on Politics

This part of the script explores the influence of celebrities on political engagement, particularly focusing on Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris and its potential impact on voter behavior. The power of celebrity endorsements to sway public opinion and increase political participation is discussed, with references to past influential moments like Oprah's support for Obama. The segment also touches on the role of social media in shaping political discourse and the responsibility of public figures to use their platforms wisely.

Keywords

💡Hurricane Francine

Hurricane Francine is a tropical cyclone that made landfall in Louisiana as a Category Two hurricane. In the script, it is mentioned as having caused significant damage with 100-mile-an-hour winds, heavy rain, and widespread flooding. The storm's impact is a central theme of the video, highlighting the challenges faced by communities in its wake, such as power outages and the need for emergency response.

💡Tropical Storm

After landfall, Hurricane Francine weakened to a tropical storm. The term 'tropical storm' refers to a cyclone that has wind speeds less than a hurricane but still poses significant threats such as heavy rainfall and potential flooding. In the script, the downgrade to a tropical storm does not diminish the severity of its impacts, as the region continues to grapple with the aftermath.

💡Power Outages

Power outages are a common consequence of severe weather events like hurricanes and tropical storms. The script discusses how hundreds of thousands of people across Louisiana are without power, which not only affects daily life but also poses safety risks, especially when residents use generators improperly. The video emphasizes the importance of addressing these outages and the safety concerns they bring.

💡Floodwaters

Floodwaters are mentioned in the context of a driver in New Orleans needing rescue after driving into them. Floodwaters refer to water that overflows onto normally dry land due to heavy rainfall or storm surges. In the video, they symbolize the immediate danger and the need for swift emergency response to prevent loss of life and property.

💡First Responders

First responders are emergency personnel who are usually the first to arrive at the scene of an accident or disaster. The script highlights the challenges faced by first responders, such as navigating through flooded roads and dealing with downed power lines, emphasizing their crucial role in disaster management and public safety.

💡Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk mentioned in the script, particularly when generators are used improperly during power outages. This poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, is inhaled, which can be fatal. The video underscores the importance of safety education to prevent such incidents in the aftermath of storms.

💡Road Closures

Road closures are a common measure taken during and after severe weather events to ensure public safety. In the script, road closures are noted as one of the significant impacts on the city, highlighting the logistical challenges faced by both residents and emergency services in accessing affected areas.

💡Wildfires

Wildfires, although not the primary focus of the video, are mentioned in the context of ongoing natural disasters. The script refers to the west coast of the United States, where wildfires are raging, causing evacuations and property damage. This keyword serves as a reminder of the broader context of natural disasters beyond the hurricane discussed in the video.

💡Red Flag Warnings

Red Flag Warnings are alerts issued by weather authorities to indicate that conditions are ideal for fire spread, often due to high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures. The script mentions these warnings in the context of the western United States, emphasizing the severity of the wildfire situation and the need for heightened vigilance.

💡Evacuation Orders

Evacuation orders are directives to leave a certain area due to imminent danger, such as an approaching wildfire. The script refers to over 34,000 people under evacuation orders in California, illustrating the scale of the response required to protect lives and property in the face of natural disasters.

Highlights

Hurricane Francine has weakened to a tropical storm after hitting Louisiana as a Category Two hurricane.

The storm brought 100 mph winds, heavy rain, and widespread flooding to the region.

Canals in the region were overwhelmed, with some areas receiving eight inches of rain.

A driver in New Orleans had to be rescued after driving his truck into floodwaters.

New Orleans is experiencing power outages, with tens of thousands affected.

There are reports of cell phone carriers having issues connecting to 911 in New Orleans.

Public Information Officer discusses the city's biggest impact being power outages and the concern over generator use.

Road closures are a significant challenge as the Department of Public Works clears debris.

Advice given for safety during power outages and when power is restored, including proper generator use.

Tropical Storm Francine is expected to continue causing heavy rain and potential flooding.

There are over 65 large fires burning across the United States, with most in California, Oregon, and Nevada.

More than 34,000 people are under evacuation orders in California due to wildfires.

10 western states are under Red Flag Warnings and fire watches.

Oregon is battling the most significant number of large fires, with 24 burning across the state.

Taylor Swift uses her Instagram influence to endorse Kamala Harris for the presidential election.

The impact of celebrity endorsements on political engagement and voting is discussed.

Transcripts

IT IS BECOMING MORE COMMON.

WE WILL FILL YOU IN.

>> WE WILL DELVE INTO WHY THAT

IS HAPPENING AND WHAT YOU CAN

DO ABOUT IT.

I AM JOE FRYER.

>> I AM SAVANNAH SELLERS.

WE BEGIN WITH FRANCINE.

THE SYSTEM HAS WEAKENED TO A

TROPICAL STORM BUT NOT BEFORE

SLAMMING LOUISIANA AS A

CATEGORY TWO HURRICANE

>> THIS STORM MADE LANDFALL

AROUND 5:00 ..M.

YESTERDAY MAKING 100 MILE AN

HOUR WINDS, HEAVY RAIN AND

WIDESPREAD FLOODING.

OVERNIGHT, A JEFFERSON COUNCIL

MEMBER SAID CANALS PUMPED INTO

THE REGION WERE OVERWHELMED AND

SOME SPOTS SEEING EIGHT INCHES

OF RAIN.

>>> TAKE A LOOK AT THIS, A

DRIVER IN NEW ORLEANS HAD TO BE

RESCUED BY A GOOD SAMARITAN

AFTER HE DROVE HIS TRUCK INTO

FLOODWATERS.

YOU CAN SEE HIM PULL THE MAN

OUT OF HIS TRUCK AND OVER TO

NEARBY POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS.

THAT GOOD SAMARITAN TOLD OUR

AFFILIATE THAT HE HAS A

BACKGROUND AS AN ER NURSE ENDED

HELPED HIM STAY CALM.

>>> THE LATEST TRACK AND THE

BIGGEST PROBLEMS FACING FIRST

RESPONDERS.

JESSE KIRSCH IN NEW ORLEANS,

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING THIS

MORNING?

>> Reporter: RIGHT BEHIND US IS

A SECTION OF ROADWAY THAT IS AT

LEAST PARTIALLY FLOODED.

WE HAVE SEEN CARS DRIVING

THROUGH IT SO IT DOES NOT

APPEAR TO BE THAT DEEP BUT I

CAN TELL YOU THAT WE SAW THE

WATER AND IMMEDIATELY PUMPED

THE BRAKES AND PULLED OVER TO

THE SIDE AND CAME AROUND THE

OTHER WAY TO MEET OUR TEAM

BECAUSE YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE

GOING THROUGH FLOODWATERS.

THERE ARE TIMES THAT THE WATER

CAN BE A LOT DEEPER THAN YOU

THINK WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING IN

TO IT. THAT IS THE SCENE OVER

HERE IN THIS PART OF THE CITY.

NEW ORLEANS SEEMS TO BE DOING

OKAY.

THERE ARE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF

POWER OUTAGES REPORTED AT LAST

CHECK IN THIS AREA, IN THIS

PARISH IN LOUISIANA AND OTHER

AREAS THAT ARE MUCH HARDER HIT

IN TERMS OF THE POWER OUTAGES.

IN THIS AREA, I CAN SEE LIGHTS

ON, ON SOMEONE'S PORCH.

THIS AREA SEEMS TO HAVE POWER.

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE

ACROSS THE STATE ARE WITHOUT

POWER AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT

IT IS RELATIVELY COOL OUT,

RIGHT NOW.

KIND OF HUMID, IT CAN GET

PRETTY HUMID IN THIS PART OF

THE COUNTRY AND EVEN YESTERDAY

DURING THE DAY, YOU COULD JUST

FEEL THIS HUMIDITY.

WE ARE NOT FEELING THAT, RIGHT

NOW.

THERE IS A LIGHT BREEZE GOING

THROUGH AND I SAY THAT FOR

THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE POWER, IF

YOU ARE TRYING TO GET SOME

RELIEF FROM CONDITIONS HERE,

THOSE PEOPLE HOPEFULLY WILL BE

DOING OKAY RELATIVE TO WHAT IT

COULD BE IF THERE WAS A A LOT

HARDER RIGHT NOW.

YOU GET THE SIGN OUT AND THAT

COULD CHANGE IT WE WILL BE

KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR THAT, AS

WELL.

WE HAVE CARS MOVING THROUGH SO

ALL OF THESE PEOPLE GOING

THROUGH THOSE FLOODWATERS.

IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE TO DEEP --

TOO DEEP AND AS WE CONTINUE TO

SEE WHAT IMPACT THIS STORM HAS

HAD, I CAN TELL YOU WE ARE

GETTING ALERTS FROM OUR PHONES,

SOME CELL PHONE CARRIERS APPEAR

TO BE HAVING ISSUES WITH

CONNECTING WITH 911.

AND ASKING PEOPLE TO CONSERVE

THE USE OF WATER UNTIL THEY ARE

ABLE TO SORT THAT OUT.

THAT IS LOCALLY IN THE CITY OF

NEW ORLEANS.

WE ARE STILL GETTING THE FULL

PICTURE AS WE OFTEN ARE

ESPECIALLY AS IT GOES INTO THE

EVENING HOURS.

>> WHAT IS THE LATEST WE ARE

HEARING FROM CITY OFFICIALS

ABOUT GETTING THE POWER BACK ON

FOR THOSE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS

WITHOUT ITS?>> Reporter: 100

THOUSAND ACROSS THE STATE AND

NOT JUST LOCALIZED.

WE ARE STILL GATHERING DETAILS

ON THE BROADER PICTURE.

NEW ORLEANS BASED ON THE LAST

REPORT, TENS OF THOUSANDS IN

THIS AREA, IN THIS PARISH WHICH

IS LIKE A COUNTY IN OTHER

STATES.

SO IT IS NOT LOCALIZED TO JUST

ONE COMMUNITY OR ONE CITY.

I CAN TELL YOU FROM WHERE WE

ARE RIGHT NOW, THIS DOES NOT

APPEAR TO BE ONE OF THOSE AREAS

WITHOUT POWER.

>> WE HOPE YOU AND YOUR TEAM

CONTINUE TO STAY SAFE.

>>> FOR MORE ON THE IMPACT FROM

FRANCINE ON THE GROUND, WE HAVE

THE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR JOINING

US ON A BUSY MORNING.

FROM WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN SO FAR,

ONE OF THE BIGGEST IMPACTS ON

THE CITY

>> THE BIGGEST IMPACT WE HAVE

HAD IS THE POWER OUTAGES

THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

THERE ARE CLOSE TO 300,000

PEOPLE WITHOUT POWER AND I KNOW

THE RAINS ARE SUBSIDING BUT NOW

WE HAVE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE

WITHOUT POWER AND WE WORRY

ABOUT PEOPLE USING GENERATORS

IMPROPERLY.

SO WE LOSE MORE PEOPLE IN THE

STATE OF LOUISIANA TO CARBON

MONOXIDE POISONING THAN WE

ACTUALLY DO THE STORMS.

FOR THE MOST PART, WE ARE BEING

MINDFUL OF THAT.

>> IN ADDITION TO POWER OUTAGES

AND THE FALLING POWER LINES,

ROAD CLOSURES ALL AROUND THE

AREA.

NOW THAT THE STORM IS STARTING

TO PULL AWAY, WHAT ARE YOUR

BIGGEST CHALLENGES

>> THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS

BEING ABLE TO NAVIGATE THROUGH

THE CITY.

WE HAVE OUR DEPARTMENT OF

PUBLIC WORKS REMOVING DEBRIS

AND TREES FROM THE ROADS.

WE WANT TO URGE ALL OF THE

CITIZENS TO STAY HOME AND ALLOW

THE RESPONDERS TO TAKE CARE OF

THE THINGS THEY NEED TO TAKE

CARE OF.

LAST NIGHT, WE RESPONDED TO

ABOUT 30 CALLS AND MOST OF

THOSE CALLS WERE IN REFERENCE

TO DOWNED POWER LINES OR

INVESTIGATIONS.

>> THOSE DOWNED POWER LINES CAN

BE A HAZARD ALSO AS POWER COMES

BACK ON.

WE UNDERSTAND YOU HAVE DEALT

WITH HOUSE FIRE'S IN THE PAST

ONCE THE POWER COMES BACK ON

AND IT GETS HOT.

THAT IS ANOTHER CONCERN OF

PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE AIR

CONDITIONING.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW

IN ORDER TO STAY SAFE EVEN ONCE

THE RAIN AND THE WIND GOES

AWAY?

HOW CAN THEY STAY SAFE IN THE

NEXT FEW DAYS WITH THESE OTHER

DANGEROUS?

>> SO, JUST MAKE SURE THAT IF

WE ARE USING THOSE GENERATORS,

USE THEM PROPERLY, KEEP THEM AT

LEAST 20 FEET FROM ANY OPENING

OF THE HOME.

USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORDS

WHEN THEY ARE USING THOSE

GENERATORS.

MAKE SURE THEY COOL THEM DOWN

BEFORE THEY REFUEL THEM AND

WHEN IT COMES TO BEING WITHOUT

POWER AND THE POWER KICKS BACK

ON, PEOPLE HAVE ELECTRIC OVENS

OR ELECTRIC STOVES AND STUFF

SITTING ON TOP OF THEM DURING

THE POWER OUTAGE AND WHEN THE

POWER KICKS BACK ON, THERE IS

SOMETHING ON TOP OF THE STOVE

AND THAT BURNER MAY HAVE BEEN

LEFT ON SO BE MINDFUL OF THINGS

LIKE THAT AND LOOK OUT FOR THE

NEIGHBORS AND HELP EACH OTHER

OUT.

>> WE ARE JUST PAST THE PEAK OF

HURRICANE SEASON BUT THERE ARE

STILL A COUPLE OF MONTHS LEFT

UNTIL IT ENDS.

LOUISIANA IS NO STRANGER TO

HURRICANE SPEAK AND SMALLER.

DO YOU THINK YOU MIGHT HAVE

DODGED A BULLET?

HOW WORRIED ARE YOU ABOUT THE

REST OF THIS HURRICANE SEASON?

>> WE ARE ALWAYS WORRIED

THROUGH HURRICANE SEASON, THAT

IS OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR

THE YEAR.

I DO BELIEVE WE DODGED A BULLET

WITH THIS ONE.

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THAT BUT WE

CLEARLY STAY VIGILANT AND BE

PREPARED FOR THE NEXT ONE THAT

DOES COME.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. STAY

SAFE.

>>> THIS MORNING, DANGEROUS

WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE ALSO

IMPACTING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF

PEOPLE OUT WEST BECAUSE OF

RAGING WILDFIRES.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE

TERRIFYING SCENES HAS MORE THAN

65 LARGE FIRES WERE BURNING

ACROSS THE UNITED STATES ON

WEDNESDAY. MOST IN CALIFORNIA,

OREGON AND NEVADA.

ACROSS CALIFORNIA, MORE THAN

34,000 PEOPLE WERE UNDER

EVACUATION ORDERS FOLLOWING A

TRIPLE DIGIT HEAT WAVE OVER THE

WEEKEND.

DOZENS OF HOMES HAVE BEEN

BURNED BY THE STATE'S LARGEST

ACTIVE FIRE ABOVE LOS ANGELES

CALLED THE BRIDGE FIRE WITH

2000 STRUCTURES ALSO AT RISK IN

THAT AREA AS THE FIRE CONTINUES

TO GROW.

10 WESTERN STATES WERE UNDER

RED FLAG WARNINGS AND FIRE

WATCHES.

NO STATE IS BATTLING MORE

LARGER FIRES THAN ORGAN --

OREGON WHERE 24 FIRES ARE

BURNING.

27 MILLION ACRES OF LAND ACROSS

THE COUNTRY, AND AREA A BIT

BIGGER THAN THE SIZE OF VERMONT.

WE CONTINUE TO TRACK FRANCINE

IN THE SOUTH PLUS THOSE

WILDFIRE WARNINGS.

>>> BUSY ON THE WEATHER FRONT

AND WE HAVE LOTS TO TALK ABOUT.

LET'S START WITH FRANCINE.

IT IS HANGING OUT IN THE

TROPICAL STORM CHARACTERISTICS,

RIGHT NOW AND WE WILL LIKELY

SEE IF WE CAN OVER THE NEXT FEW

DAYS.

WE HAVE A TORNADO WATCH IN

EFFECT FOR THE PANHANDLE OF

FLORIDA STRETCHING INTO ALABAMA

BUT NOTICE WINDS DOWN TO 24

MILES AN HOUR.

IT IS 60 MILES TO THE NORTH OF

NEW ORLEANS, THE CENTER OF THAT

STORM AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO

WORK TO THE EAST OVER THE NEXT

DAY OR SO BEFORE IT STALLS OUT.

NO SURPRISE AND I HAVE BEEN

TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR DAYS,

THE HEAVY RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH

THIS AND THE LOW-LYING AREAS

SEEING FLOODING.

SPECIFICALLY, LOUISIANA ACROSS

THAT REGION THIS MORNING THAT

WE HAVE PLENTY OF FLOOD ALERTS

IN EFFECT.

12 MILLION PEOPLE IN TOTAL BUT

THE FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS ARE

CENTERED AROUND JACKSON AND THE

PANHANDLE OF FLORIDA.

THE GOOD NEWS, THOSE HAVE SINCE

EXPIRED FOR NEW ORLEANS.

SOME MINOR IMPROVEMENT, THERE.

MORE RAIN ON THE WAY BUT

FARTHER TO THE NORTH SO WE WILL

START TO SEE THE RAIN WRAP UP

FOR FOLKS ACROSS LOUISIANA, AT

LEAST THE SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF

ALABAMA BUT NOTICE MEMPHIS, WE

COULD SEE UPWARDS OF THREE

INCHES OF RAIN AND THE

POSSIBILITY FOR SOME ISOLATED

SPOTS TO RECEIVE FIVE OR SIX

INCHES.

THE FLOODING WILL BE

CONSIDERABLE AND WE WILL STILL

BE DEALING WITH THIS TOMORROW.

THIS SYSTEM DOES WEEKEND BUT IT

DOES NOT CHANGE THE IMPACTS.

WE ARE STILL DEALING WITH SOME

IMPRESSIVE RAINFALL RATES OVER

THE NEXT DAY OR SO.

FROM THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE INTO

ALABAMA, THAT IS WHERE WE WILL

SEE THOSE RAINBANDS SPENDING.

IT IS NOT HARD FOR US TO SEE

THOSE SPIN-UPS.

THAT IS SOMETHING YOU WILL HAVE

TO WATCH FOR NOT JUST THIS

MORNING BUT EVEN AS THE SYSTEM

CENTER MOVES TO THE NORTH.

THE WINDS ARE GOING TO BE LESS

OF AN ISSUE BUT THEY ARE NOT

NOTHING.

WE HAVE 40, 50 MILE AN HOUR

WINDS, 50 MILE AN HOUR WINDS IS

WHERE WE LOOK TO SEE POWER

OUTAGES, ADDITIONAL POWER

OUTAGES OR DOWN TO TREES.

MERIDIAN LOOKING AT 50 MILES AN

HOUR.

I THINK THE STRONGEST OF THEM,

CLOSER TO 60 MILES AN HOUR BUT

30, 40 MILE AN HOUR WINDS NOT

GREAT ACROSS THIS REGION. AND

ONCE WE ARE DONE WITH FRANCINE

OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS,

WE HAVE PLENTY OF OTHER THINGS

TO WATCH.

THERE ARE TWO AREAS WATCHING

DISTURBED WEATHER.

94-L AND 92-L. ONLY A 10%

CHANCE OF DEVELOPING.

WE ALREADY HAVE TROPICAL

DEPRESSION SEVEN WHICH WILL

LIKELY STRENGTHEN OVER THE

COMING DAYS AND WE WILL WATCH

THAT.

IT IS STILL WELL OUT INTO THE

ATLANTIC AND TO BE DETERMINED.

OFF THE COAST OF THE SOUTHEAST,

WE HAVE AN AREA WE ARE KEEPING

A CLOSE EYE ON, OVER THE NEXT

FEW DAYS.

I'D -- ESSENTIALLY A TROPICAL

DEPRESSION.

>>> LET'S GET TO THE RACE FOR

THE WHITE HOUSE AS THE

CANDIDATES RETURNED TO THE

CAMPAIGN TRAIL TODAY FOR THE

FIRST TIME SINCE THIS WEEK'S

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE.

>> HARRIS IS HEADING TO NORTH

CAROLINA AND SHE WILL HOLD THE

EVENTS TODAY IN CHARLOTTE AND

GREENSBORO.

NORTH CAROLINA IS A

BATTLEGROUND STATE THAT HARRIS

IS LOOKING TO TURN BLUE IN

NOVEMBER.

MR. TRUMP IS SAID TO HOLD A

CAMPAIGN EVENT IN TUCSON,

ARIZONA.

BOTH MET BRIEFLY AGAIN

YESTERDAY, SHAKING HANDS AT THE

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY HERE

IN NEW YORK HOURS AFTER THEIR

DEBATE IN PHILADELPHIA. STAFF

MORE THAN 67 MILLION PEOPLE

TUNED IN TUESDAY NIGHT

ACCORDING TO THE NIELSEN

ESTIMATES.

THAT IS MORE THAN THE 41

MILLION PEOPLE WHO TUNED IN TO

SEE THE TRUMP AND BIDEN DEBATE

IN JUNE. LET'S TALK ABOUT A

DEBATE REMATCH.

THE FORMER PRESIDENT HAS BEEN

KNOCKED HER MIDDLE --

NONCOMMITTAL.

WHERE DO WE THINK THINGS STAND WITH LESS THAN EIGHT WEEKS

WITH LESS THAN EIGHT WEEKS

UNTIL THE ELECTION

>> Reporter: THERE IS A DEBATE

ABOUT THE DEBATE, GUYS.

I THINK THERE IS A GOOD

LIKELIHOOD THAT THERE WILL BE

AT LEAST ONE MORE DEBATE

BETWEEN THESE TWO.

CERTAINLY, THE CHRISTINE FELT

LIKE SHE DID VERY WELL.

THE TRUMP TEAM, IT IS

UNDERSTOOD HE DID NOT HAVE THE

BEST NIGHT OF HIS ELECTION

DEBATE.

WHAT IS THAT, SEVEN DEBATES,

NOW?

I THINK THAT THE HARRIS FOLKS

STILL HAVE A SALE TO MAKE.

MEETING, SHE STILL HAS A BUNCH

OF VOTERS WHO ARE NOT

COMPLETELY SOLD ON THE IDEA

THAT SHE SHOULD BE PRESIDENT OF

THE UNITED STATES THAT SHE MAY

BE ABLE TO CONVINCE.

I THINK THERE WILL BE AT LEAST

ONE MORE DEBATE.>>> HARRIS IS

CAMPAIGNING IN NORTH CAROLINA.

THAT IS A STATES SHE HOPES TO

FLIPS. ONLY TWICE HAS THE STATE

GONE TO DEMOCRATS.

COULD HARRIS EXPAND THE MAP?

WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE

>> Reporter: IF YOU WANT TO

TALK ABOUT IT IN TERMS OF COLOR

CODING RED AND BLUE, YOU WOULD

SAY THAT NORTH CAROLINA IS

WHITE, PINK.

IT IS DEFINITELY A REPUBLICAN

STATE THAT TYPICALLY ONE THAT

THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE WINS

BY A VERY NARROW MARGIN. THEY

ARE A HUGE POPULATION. THE

CENSUS ADDING ONE ELECTORAL

VOTE FOR NORTH CAROLINA WHICH

IS REFLECTIVE OF NEW PEOPLE

COMING INTO THE STATE.

MANY OF THESE NEW PEOPLE COMING

INTO NORTH CAROLINA.

MANY ARE DEMOCRATS OR

DEMOCRATIC LEANING. THIS WILL

BE TIGHTLY CONTESTED.

DEMOCRATS OFTEN PUT A BIG

AMOUNT OF ENERGY, MONEY AND TIME

AND EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, THEY

WIN. >>> LET'S TALK ABOUT YESTERDAY,

>>> LET'S TALK ABOUT YESTERDAY,

THERE WAS THE 9/11 REMEMBRANCE.

FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP, JD

VANCE AND ALSO IN ATTENDANCE

WITH FORMER PRESIDENT TRUMP IS

A FAR RIGHT ACTIVIST WHO HAS

PREVIOUSLY PUSHED A FALSE

NARRATIVE ABOUT ATTACKS ON NBC

NEWS.COM.

WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW?

>> Reporter: LAURA LOOMER IS

SOMEONE WHO IS A CONSPIRACY

THEORIST AND A HUGE TRUMP

SUPPORTER WHO HAS BEEN

INCREASINGLY SPENDING TIME WITH

HIM.

SHE WAS AT THIS 9/11

REMEMBRANCE AND SHE IS SOMEBODY

WHO QUESTIONED WHETHER 9/11 WAS

"AN INSIDE JOB." SOMEONE WHO

BELIEVES IT IS POSSIBLE,

OBVIOUSLY, BASELESS. USE THE

ADJECTIVE THAT YOU WANT. I AM

SURE MANY PEOPLE WHO LOST LOVED

ONES ON SEPTEMBER 11th WERE

DISGUSTED BY HER PRESENCE,

THERE.

>>> ONE OF THE MAJOR HEADLINES

FROM TUESDAY'S DEBATE, THAT

BIZARRE CLAIM ABOUT HAITIAN

IMMIGRANT IN OHIO. A CLAIM THAT

HAS BEEN AMPLIFIED BY TRUMP AND

JD VANCE.

THE RUNNING MATES ARE ACCUSING

ANIMALS OF EATING ANIMALS IN

SPRINGFIELD BUT CITY MANAGER SAYS THAT IS NOT TRUE.

SAYS THAT IS NOT TRUE.

WE HAVE THE DETAILS.

>> IN SPRINGFIELD, THEY ARE

EATING THE DOGS.

THE PEOPLE THAT CAME IN, THEY

ARE EATING THE CATS.>>

Reporter: TRUMP SPREADING

UNFOUNDED CLAIMS THAT PEOPLE OF

OHIO ARE ABUSING PETS.

MR. TRUMP'S RUNNING MATE, JD

VANCE, FIRST SPREAD THE

BASELESS ACCUSATIONS ON SOCIAL

MEDIA EARLIER THIS WEEK.

>> Reporter: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO

HAITIAN AMERICANS ABOUT

SPREADING FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT

THEM AND PUTTING THEIR LIVES AT

RISK?>> NO ONE HAS SPREAD FALSE

CLAIMS.

WHAT THEY HAVE SAID IS THAT A

SMALL MIGRANT COMMUNITY JUST

CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS. SPENT

THE SPRINGFIELD CITY MANAGER

SAYS THERE IS NO EVIDENCE.

>> I THINK THE CITY MANAGER

ISN'T FULLY IN TOUCH WITH WHAT

IS GOING ON AROUND THERE.>>

Reporter: IT MAY HAVE BEEN

GOING ON WHERE A CITIZEN WAS

ARRESTED INVOLVING CATS.

IN SPRINGFIELD, WE FOUND DEEP

TENSIONS.

>> IT IS A FORM OF

DISCRIMINATION.

THEY JUST BELIEVE THAT THEIR

WORDS HAVE NO IMPACT AND IT IS

NOT TRUE.

SO IMMIGRANTS IN SPRINGFIELD,

THEY ARE ALSO CONCERNED FOR

THEIR LIVES AND THE LIVES OF

THEIR KIDS

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS SAY AS

MANY AS 15,000 HAITIANS HAVE

MOVED TO THE CITY WHICH HAD

ABOUT 60,000 RESIDENTS BEFORE.

CITY LEADERS ADVERTISE NEWLY

CREATED MANUFACTURING JOBS AND

SPRINGFIELD'S AFFORDABILITY BUT

SOME SAY SPRINGFIELD HAS

SUFFERED FROM THE CHANGE.

>> IT HAS BEEN DISASTROUS.

>> Reporter: WHAT DO YOU SAY

THAT THEY ARE COMING HERE TO

REVITALIZE SPRINGFIELD

>> THAT IS NOT WHAT IS

HAPPENING FOR SPRINGFIELD.

IT MIGHT HAPPEN FOR THEM

>> Reporter: THE APPEARANCE OF

THE 11-YEAR-OLD SPOKE.

AIDEN WAS KILLED IN A BUS CRASH

LAST YEAR AFTER AN IMMIGRANT

WAS FOUND GUILTY OF HOMICIDE.

>> I SAID TO AIDEN THAT I WOULD

TRY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HIS

HONOR.

THIS IS IT

>> Reporter: THEY ARE URGING

POLITICIANS AND OTHERS TO STOP

USING THEIR SON'S DEATH TO

SPREAD HATE.

>> ONE OF THE WORST FEELINGS IN

THE WORLD IS NOT BEING ABLE TO

PROTECT YOUR CHILD, EVEN WORSE,

WE CANNOT PROTECT HIS MEMORY

ONCE HE IS GONE.

PLEASE STOP THE HATE.

>>> CELEBRITIES ARE LIKE US,

RIGHT?

ONE THING WE HAVE IN COMMON IS

OUR CIVIC DUTY TO VOTE IN

ELECTIONS FOR 283 MILLION

FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM MIGHT

HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON WHO YOU

VOTE FOR.

AT THE VERY LEAST, GETTING

PEOPLE POLITICALLY INVOLVED.

>> GREAT [ BLEEP ] NEWS.

>> Reporter: IT WAS THE

INSTAGRAMS POST THAT RICOCHETED

ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA.>> HOW DOES

SWIFT ENDORSE MADAME BP KAMALA

HARRIS

>> Reporter: TELLING HER 283

MILLION FOLLOWERS THAT AFTER

SEEING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

OF HER FALSELY ENDORSING DONALD

TRUMP, SHE FELT THE NEED TO BE

TRANSPARENT.

>> I AM SAD THAT I DIDN'T TWO

YEARS AGO BUT I CANNOT CHANGE

THAT.

>> Reporter: SWIFT AGONIZED

OVER NOT ENGAGING IN THE 2016

ELECTION NOW DECLARES, I AM

VOTING FOR KAMALA HARRIS

BECAUSE YOU FIGHTS FOR THE

RIGHTS AND CAUSES I BELIEVE IN

AND I BELIEVE WE NEED A WARRIOR

TO CHAMPION THEM

>> MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

STAFF TRUMP ENJOYS CELEBRITY

ENDORSEMENTS, AS WELL.

HULK HOGAN AND KID ROCK.

WHEN IT COMES TO CELEBRITIES,

EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THESE

VOICES ARE INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.

IF NOT FOR CANDIDATE SUPPORT,

FOR BOOSTING POLITICAL

ENGAGEMENT, AND OPEN QUESTION

WITH YOUNG VOTERS WHO MAY BE

ENCOURAGED BY TAYLOR SWIFT.

>> I AM FOLLOWING MY OWN TRUTH

AND THAT TRUTH HAS LED ME TO

BARACK OBAMA.>> Reporter:

MOMENTUM LIKE OPRAH'S

ENDORSEMENT OF BARACK OBAMA AND

GEORGE CLOONEY ENCOURAGING

BIDEN TO LEAVE THE RACE.

TAYLOR SWIFT NOW THE

POTENTIALLY MOST INFLUENTIAL

CHILDLESS CAT LADY OF 2024

>> THERE IS SOME MEASURABLE