Louisiana is bracing for impact as Hurricane Francine churns off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, battering the region with strong winds and heavy rain.

The storm's hurricane-force winds will start hitting the Louisiana coast on Wednesday afternoon, forecasters say. Francine has prompted evacuations and a state of emergency.

From where to find sand bags to what facilities and amenities are closed, here's what you need to know as Hurricane Francine nears the Gulf Coast.