Lake Area Hotels Experience Influx of Francine Storm Evacuees

**Evacuees Flee to Lake Charles to Escape Severe Weather**

*LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC)* – The Lake Charles area experienced a significant influx of evacuees today as residents sought refuge from severe weather conditions.

Many individuals from southeast Louisiana, particularly from New Orleans and Cameron Parish, traveled westward, leading to a surge in local hotel bookings.

“We faced a lot of challenges with buses bringing evacuees from New Orleans and Cameron Parish, but we’re doing our best to accommodate everyone,” said Deandre Sullivan, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express and Suites.

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites on Prien Lake Road is one of the hotels experiencing a higher-than-usual number of guests.

“Our phones are constantly ringing. We’re doing our best to answer as many calls as possible and inform people about available accommodations in the area. We’re also coordinating with other hotels to ensure everyone has a place to stay,” Sullivan added.

As of now, the hotel has reached full capacity.

“We’re completely booked for tonight and possibly tomorrow as well, as we continue to monitor the incoming flow of evacuees,” Sullivan said.

Other local hotels have reported that they expect an increase in guests after the storm passes.

7News also spoke with linemen from New Orleans who evacuated before the storm, intending to return and assist with recovery efforts once it’s safe.

Additionally, residents from Terrebonne Parish evacuated to the Lake Charles area but found themselves stranded as the storm approached.

*Copyright 2024 KPLC. All rights reserved.*

Source: kplctv.com

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