‘Catastrophic’ Laura Poised to Slam Louisana and Texas Tonight
Overview:
Hurricane Laura has rapidly intensified to a Category 4 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale as dire warnings have been projected for communities in its path. The storm as of 1PM CDT had winds of 140mph and a pressure of 952mb, an incredible increase considering it was a tropical storm a day ago. Although the exact data can be marveled at; the main focus are the likely to be devastating impacts for areas of Louisiana and Texas, which may see storm surge up to 20 feet that may penetrate areas 50 miles inland, along with intense winds exceeding 140mph. The National Hurricane Center made a very unnerving quote saying “Unsurvivable” Storm Surge was likely to occur across the region. Evacuation orders have been issued for areas of Texas and Louisiana, although very little time remains. The National Weather Service office in Lake Charles, LA evacuated due to Laura, with duties being relieved by the Brownsville, TX office. Resources across the country are prepped for the aftermath of Laura, with our own Nelson Mayer taking this picture of electrical line repair trucks getting ready to head in to affected areas.
Evacuations:
Mandatory Evacuations throughout Texas:
- Bolivar Peninsula
- City of Galveston
- Hardin County
- Jasper County
- Jefferson County
- Newton County
- Orange County
- City of Port Arthur
Mandatory Evacuations across Louisiana:
- Vermillion Parish
- St. Mary Parish
- Calcasieu Parish
- Cameron Parish
- Jefferson Parish
- Lafourche Parish
- Plaquemines Parish
- Terrebonne Parish
Voluntary Evacuations across Texas:
- City of Baytown, Brazoria County, Chambers County, City of Clear Lake Shores, City of Dear Park, City of Dickinson, City of El Lago, Harris County (Zones A and B,) City of Jamaica Beach, City of La Porte, City of League City, Liberty County, City ofLynchburg, City of Mont Belvieu, City of Nassau Bay, City of Pasadena, Polk County, City of Port Arthur, City of Seabrook, City of Taylor Lake Village, City of Tiki Island, City of Webster
Voluntary Evacuations across Louisiana:
- Jefferson Davis Parish, Acadia Parish, Lafayette Parish, St. Martin Parish, Iberia Parish