Hurricane Laura continues moving north through southwest Louisiana after making landfall early Thursday as a dangerous Category 4 storm, with winds at 150 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center's 1 a.m.update.
Thestormhas been called an "extremely dangerous" hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Widespread power outages are being reported across the state and Texas. Damage reports are coming in sporadically before sunlight.
GET THE LATEST:Live updates Thursday as Hurricane Laura slams western Louisiana with flooding, damage
The USA TODAY Network - Louisiana is covering the stormfrom approach to landfall and beyond. Get the latest updates on Laura here.
5 a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura now a Category 2 storm
Hurricane conditions continue to spread inland across southwest Louisiana as Hurricane Laura has downgraded to a Category 2 storm with winds of 110 mph. This is still a very dangerous, strong storm inland with devastating storm surge and flash flooding across two states, including Texas.
Beauregard Regional Airport in DeRidder, about 45 miles north of Lake Charles,recorded a wind gust of 82 mph.
4:15a.m. Thursday: More than 60k without power in Acadiana
Hurricane Laura is knocking out power across Acadiana, with more than 60,000 outages reported so far.
Lafayette Parish reported more than 24,000 without power, more than 14,500 in Iberia Parish, St. Martin more than 6,000 and St. Landry more than 2,000.
4:05 a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura now Category 3 with 120 mph winds
The National Hurricane Center's latest advisory reports Hurricane Laura's winds at 120 mph, reducing the storm to a Category 2. Laura continues moving north at 15 mph.
It's about 50 miles north of Lake Charles, approaching DeRidder, and is expected to continue that movement Thursday.
"Catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding continues in portions of Louisiana," the advisory states.
3:45a.m. Thursday: Hurricane warning issued for northwest Louisiana
Hurricane Laura's winds continue to threaten Louisiana, prompting the National Hurricane Center to upgrade warnings for north Louisiana parishes to hurricane state.
The hurricane center has issued a hurricane warning for Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claibore, Lincoln, Jackson, Winn and Grant parishes.
3:30a.m. Thursday: South Louisiana feels Hurricane Laura's winds
Hurricane Laura's winds extendwell beyond the center, where the National Hurricane Center reports sustained winds are 130 mph.
The National Weather Service reports winds in New Iberia at 67 mph, and inDequincy at 68 mph.Jennings is experiencing 65 mph winds. Lafayette gusts have reached
3:15 a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura's winds 130 mph
The National Hurricane Center's latest advisory shows Laura's winds continue to decrease, although it remains a Category 4 storm with130 mph winds.
The storm, which made landfall two hours earlier, continues to move north at 15 mph into Beauregard Parish.
3:00 a.m. Thursday: See windsof Hurricane Laura overturn RV
In Lake Charles as Hurricane Laura pounded the area with 130 mph to 140 mph winds, reports of damage to businesses and buildings came in early Thursday.
This video shows the force of the still dangerous storm toppling an RV. Another shows damage to a business in Lake Charles.
2:40 a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura keeps 140 mph winds
The National Hurricane Center's latest advisory states Hurricane Laura's winds are decreasing, but remain 145 mph as it moves northat 15 mph through Lake Charles.
Maximum recorded winds so far have been in the 130 to 140 mph range between Cameron and Lake Charles. The eye, which made landfall near Cameron, is about to move over downtown Lake Charles.
Storm surge is over 10 feet in Cameron, and it will be pulling inlandacross Cameron and southern Calcasieu Parishes over the next 6 to 12 hours, the advisory states.
2:30 a.m. Thursday: See video of Hurricane Laura's landfall
Hurricane Laura intensified quickly Wednesday, strengthening from a Category 1 to just shy of a Category 5.
The storm plowed through the Gulf of Mexico as it made its way to the coast of Louisiana, making landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with 150 mph.
This visualization shows Laura approaching the Louisiana coast and making landfall near Cameron just before 1 a.m. Thursday.
2:20 a.m. Thursday: Damage reports coming in for Lake Charles
The National Weather Service is beginning to receive reports of damage from Hurricane Laura.
In Lake Charles, a spotter reported a crane collapsed at the Federal Marine Terminals near the Golden Nugget Casino.The Weather Service said a storm chaser reported structural damage to the Capital One Tower in Lake Charles.
2:05 a.m. Thursday: Vermilion River flood warning issued through Friday
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the Vermilion River in Lafayette atSurrey Street Gage. The warning through is in effect through Friday afternoon.
At 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, the stage was 6.8 feet, with a flood stage of 10 feet. Minor flooding is forecast.
The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Thursday morning to a crest of 13.0 feet early Thursday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage early Friday morning.
Minor flooding is forecast. At 10 feet, minor flooding at Heymann Park off of Highway 90. At11.5 feet, minor flooding at Beaver Park and Vermilionville near the river. At 13.5 feet,flooding of some yards near the river will occur. Significant flooding of Beaver Park and Vermilionville will occur.
1:50 a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura eye passes over Lake Charles
The eye of Hurricane Laura now is passing directly over Lake Charles and Sulphur, says Donald Jones with the National Weather Service office in Lake Charles. The highest wind gust came in so far at 132mph with 98 mph sustained winds, according to the weather service
The weather service reports that windows are blown out of a furniture store in Lake Charles.
The storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near Cameron just before 1 a.m. with 150 mph, moving north at 15 mph.
1:40 a.m. Thursday: Tornado warning for Lafayette, other parishes
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a tornado warning for eastern Lafayette Parish,northwestern Iberia Parish andnorthwestern St. Martin Parish until 2:15 a.m.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Lydia, or 7 miles west of Jeanerette, moving north at 60 mph. Locations impacted include Lafayette, New Iberia, Catahoula, Scott, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, St. Martinville, Jeanerette, Avery Island and Broussard.
1:00 a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura makes landfall near Cameron
Extremely dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Laura makes landfall near Cameron. The catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds and flash flood is occurring across south Louisiana, with 100-plus mph winds in the Lake Charles area.
The storm made landfall with 150 mph winds and central pressure at 938, moving 15 mph, conditions reported by the National Hurricane Center for much of Wednesday night. The lowest central pressure reported was 937 at about 8 p.m.
12:50a.m. Thursday: Tornado Warning for Lafayette, other parishes
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a tornado warning for Lafayette Parish,northwestern Iberia Parish,northwestern St. Mary Parish,Jefferson Davis Parish, southern Evangeline Parish, southeastern Beauregard Parish, Acadia Parish, Vermilion Parish, west central St. Martin Parish, southwestern St. Landry Parish,Allen Parish in southwestern Louisiana until 1:30 a.m.
Several thunderstorms, each capable of producing tornados were centered over Duson, or near Rayne, moving northwest at 55 mph. Locations impacted include .. Lafayette, New Iberia, Opelousas, Crowley, Abbeville, Eunice, Jennings, Scott, Breaux Bridge and Rayne.
12:45a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura landfall expected in minutes
Radar indicates as that the leading edge of 100 mph+ wind gusts is just about to push into Lake Charles proper, as the punch of Laura's ferocious core barrels north at 15 mph, says meteorologist Ryan Truchelut of WeatherTiger.
"This is your final chance to take cover in a fortified interior room, with pillows, ahelmet, in Calcasieu Parish before structurally damaging winds overtake your area for the next hour or more," he said.
Elsewhere, high-resolution radar shows the surface vortex of Laura is just miles south of Cameron. Landfall is likely around the top of the hour.
12:30 a.m. Thursday: Cameron reporting 97 mph sustained winds
Eric Blake, National Hurricane Center specialist, reports sustained winds of 97.2 mph and a 3-second gust to 116.1 mph at Cameron as the edge of Hurricane Laura's wall begins to move ashore along the Louisiana coast.
Laura's highest sustained winds continue at 150 mph, according to the NHC, as it moves 15 mph, and the eye is just south of Lake Charles.
12:25a.m. Thursday: Flash flood warnings Calcasieu, Cameron, Vermilion, Jeff Davis parishes
The National Weather service issued aflash flood warning for Calcasieu, Cameron, southwestern Jefferson Davis, and Vermilion parishes in Louisianauntil 3:15 a.m. Radar indicates thunderstorms producing heavy rain. Between 1 and 3 inches havealready fallen and flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Areas includedare Lake Charles, Port Arthur, Sulphur, Bridge City, Grand Lake, andLake Charles Regional Airport.
12:15a.m. Thursday: Tornado warning for Lafayette
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a tornado warningfor Lafayette Parish, northwestern Iberia Parish,northwestern St. Mary Parish, northeastern Vermilion Parish,west central St. Martin Parish until 12:45 a.m.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Ridge, or near Rayne, moving northwest at 60 mph. Locations impacted include Lafayette, New Iberia, Abbeville, Scott, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, St. Martinville, Jeanerette, Kaplan and Cypremort Point.
12:10a.m. Thursday: Hurricane Laura to make landfall as Cat 4
The midnight update from the National Hurricane Center makes no significant changes to the previous motion, pressure, and 150 mp sustained wind. Laura will make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, says meteorologist Ryan Truchelut of WeatherTiger.
Sustained winds of 84 mph have been reported in Cameron in the last hour. The worst is coming onshore in central and western Cameron Parish now. Sustained winds exceeding 130 mph are likely in this area starting now, and will march north in the next hour.
Landfall is technically defined as the center of circulation crossing the coast. That is still 15 to 20 miles out. but eye is 25 miles wide, eyewall another 10 miles in diameter.
12:00a.m. Thursday: See conditions deteriorate in Lake Charles
Heavy gusts and storms move into Lake Charles as Hurricane Laura begins to touch the coast of Louisiana. Landfall is expected soon, as the storm continues moving quickly into the state, just south of Lake Charles.
11:50 p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning for Acadia, Vermilion, Evangeline and Jefferson Davis
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a tornado warning for south Lafayette, northwestern Iberia Parish, west central St. Mary Parish, northeastern Vermilion Parish until 12: 15 p.m.
Asevere thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Erath, or near Abbeville, moving northwest at 60 mph. This dangerous storm is heading toward Youngsville, Maurice,Meaux ,Lafayette, Ridge and Indian Bayou.
11:40 p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning for Acadia, Vermilion, Evangeline and Jefferson Davis
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for eastern Jefferson Davis Parish, southwestern Evangeline Parish, Acadia Parish in southwestern Louisiana, and north central Vermilion Parish untilmidnight.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Egan, or near Crowley, moving northwest at 55 mph. This dangerous storm is heading for Iota,Evangeline, Basile andElton.
11:25p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning for Lafayette Parish
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a tornado warning for west central Lafayette Parish and northeastern Vermilion Parish until 11:45 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Henry, or 7 miles northeast of Intracoastal City, moving northwest at 50 mph.This dangerous storm will be near Esther around 11:20 p.m.,Erath around 11:25 p.m.,Abbeville around 11:30 p.m., Meaux around 11:35 p.m., Kaplan around 11:40 p.m., Indian Bayou around 11:45 p.m.
11:15p.m. Wednesday: Dangerous wind warnings throughout south Louisiana
National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated extreme winds, associated with the eyewall of Hurricane Laura, were moving onshore along a line extending from 15 miles south of Sabine Pass to 6 miles southwest of Creole to 7 miles south of Freshwater City, moving north at 25 mph.
"THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION!," the weather service advisory said.
The weather service issued an extreme wind warning - similar to a tornado warning with a longer effective period - for southwestern Acadia, Cameron, Calcasieu, southwestern Allen, Jefferson Davis, south Beauregard, west Vermilion parishes
11:10p.m. Wednesday: Extremely dangerous wind warning issued for Lake Charles
The National Weather Service issued an extreme wind warning for Beaumont, Texas, Lake Charles andPort Arthur, Texasuntil 1:00 AMfor extremely dangerous hurricane winds.
The warning is in anticipation of Hurricane Laura's landfall and the storm's impact on the region.
The weather service said "treat theimminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!"
11:00p.m. Wednesday: Vermilion Parish storm surge up to 15 feet
The National Weather Center is projecting storm surge for Vermilion Parish as high as 15 feet.
With the latest advisory for Hurricane Laura, the weather service in Lake Charles says the Category 4 storm with 150 mph winds likely will push a surge of water into Vermilion Bay between 10 feet and 15 feet.
Laura's landfall is expected in Cameron Parish south of Lake Charles between midnight and 2 a.m.
10:50p.m. Wednesday: Another tornado warningin Cameron Parish
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for central Cameron Parish until 11:30 p.m.
Aband of severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes was located 8 miles south of Creole, or 9 miles southwest of Grand Chenier, moving northwest at 65 mph.
This dangerous storm will be near Holly Beach around 1100 p.m., Sabine National Wildlife around 11:10 PM. Other locations impacted by these tornadic thunderstorms include Constance Beach and Rutherford Beach.
10:40p.m. Wednesday: Gusts of 70 mph, funnel cloud in Calcasieu Parish
Joe Rua, a National Weather Service meteorologist, reportsa National Ocean Service gauge at Calcasieu Pass has gusts up to 70 mph, with pressure down to 993. Also they have an unconfirmed, preliminary spotter report of a funnel cloud 2 miles north-northeast of Lake Charles.
Gusts up to 61 mph reported at Lake Charles Municipal Airport.
10:30p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning for Iberia, Vermilion parishes
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for parts of southwestern Iberia and Vermilion parishes until 11 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located 13 miles south of Cypremort Point, moving northwest at 55 mph.
10:20p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning for Calcasieu Parish
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Hayes and Bell City in Calcasieu Parish until 10:45 p.m.
Radar indicated a heavy band of storms with rotation and large hail heading northwest.
10:10 p.m. Wednesday: Hurricane winds expected 60 miles from Laura's center
Hurricane-force winds from Laura extend 60 miles from the center, and tropical storm-force winds stretch up to 205 miles, the National Hurricane Center reported.
Sustained winds of 43 mph and a gust to 49 mph were reported by a National Ocean Service station at Texas Point, Texas, at Sabine Pass. And a wind gust of 58 mph was reported at Cameron, Louisiana.
9:55 p.m. Wednesday: Hurricane Laura winds remain 150 mph
The latest National Hurricane Center advisory shows Laura's winds remain at 150 mph, a dangerous Category 4. But the storm's central pressure increased from 937 to 939, perhaps a positive sign that it is not strengthening.
The storm continues to move north-northwest at 15 mph, and is about 75 miles south of Lake Charles.
9:45p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning southwest Vermilion Parish
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeast Cameron Parish, effective until 10:15 p.m.
Radar indicated a tornado in an open marsh area of the parish, moving northwest toward Forked Island.
9:30p.m. Wednesday: Tornado confirmed inCameron Parish
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado on the ground near Pecan Island. The tornado'sdebris signature was identified by radar and is moving northwest at 65 mph in Cameron Parish.
9:20p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning extended for Cameron, Vermilion parishes.
The National Weather Service has extended a tornado warning for portions of Cameron and Vermilion parishes.
The warning, which went into effect just before 8:40 p.m. and continues until 9:45 p.m., covers southeast Cameron and southwest Vermilion. A strong band of storms from Hurricane Laura capable of producing tornadoes was identified.
9:10 p.m. Wednesday: Tornado watch issued for most of Louisiana
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for most of Louisiana until 8 a.m. Thursday. The watch covers south Louisiana, north to Natchitoches andjust east of Baton Rouge. It extends into part of east Texas and west into several Mississippi counties.
The watch comes as a tornado warning is still in effect for parts of Cameron and Vermilion parishes as Hurricane Laura approaches the Louisiana coast.
9:00 p.m. Wednesday: Tropical storm-forcewinds approach Interstate-10
Tropical storm-force winds are now approaching the I-10 corridor in Louisiana. Hurricane force winds will begin near the coast in the next 2 to 4 hours, according to the National Weather Service in Lake Charles.
One large rain band is moving into the I-10 corridor now, and very heavy rain will be moving onshore over the next several hours.
8:52 p.m. Wednesday: Parts of I-10 closed near Texas border, Atchafalaya
Gov. John Bel Edwards says portions of Interstate 10 are now closed as Hurricane Laura approaches.
The interstate near the Texas and Louisiana border is closed and I-10 westbound is closed west of the Atchafalaya Basin.
"To detour the closure and avoid undrivable conditions, motorists should use U.S 61, I-55, and I-59 and travel north to connect with I-20," Edwards tweeted.
8:45p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning for Cameron, Vermilion
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for portions of Cameron and Vermilion parishes.
The warning, in effect until 9:15 p.m., covers southeast Cameron and southwest Vermilion. A strong band of storms from Hurricane Laura capable of producing tornadoes was identified.
8:30 p.m. Wednesday: Lafayette curfew in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday
Lafayette Parish's curfew is in effect as the area awaits the arrival of Hurricane Laura.
The curfew ordered by Mayor-President Josh Guillory remains in effect until at least 6 a.m. Thursday.
Laura is expected to make landfall after midnight, and remains a powerful 150 mph hurricane, nearly a Category 5.
8:15p.m. Wednesday: Hurricane Laura's dangerous low central pressure
Hurricane Laura's central pressure has dropped to 937, and only three other hurricanes on record have made landfall with a pressure that low, said Philip Klotzbach, hurricane expert and meteorologist at Colorado State University.
Katrina in 2005 had a 920 central pressure, Last Island in 1856 had 934 and Hurricane Rita made landfall with 937. "Lower pressure = stronger storm," Klotzbach tweeted.
8:05p.m. Wednesday: Possible tornadoes in southeastern Louisiana
The National Weather Service says it's monitoring possible tornadoes in southeast Louisiana into the Mississippi coast from Hurricane Laura bands.
The storm's winds continue at 150 mph and is about 90 miles south of Lake Charles.
7:40p.m. Wednesday: Storm surge waters rapidly rising in Holly Beach
Waters are rising quickly from storm surge coming in from Hurricane Laura at Holly Beach in Cameron Parish, the National Weather Service says.
"You should leave NOW!" the NWS said. "Once water rise in your area, it will be a sharp increase."
7:25p.m. Wednesday: National Weather Service'swarnings
The National Weather Service blanketedsouth Louisiana with a series of warnings Tuesday night, including flooding, tornado, storm surge and coastal flood warnings as Hurricane Laura churns at 150 mph as it approaches the coast.
7:15 p.m. Wednesday: Hurricane Laura nears Category 5 with 150 mph wind
Hurricane Laura is approaching Category 5 status as the storm's winds clocked in at 150 mph over the Gulf of Mexico, the National Hurricane Center's 7 p.m. update reported.
Currently aCategory 4 storm, Laura expected to cause a catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding. It's being describe as and "extremely dangerous" storm.
Laura is forecast to stay a Category 4 hurricanemaking landfall along the Texas and Louisiana coasts.
Catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding are expected along the northwest Gulf Coast tonight.
6:50 p.m. Wednesday: St. Landry courthouse closed Thursday
St. Landry Parish Courthouse and all offices inside the courthouse will be closed Thursday.The courthouse was closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and Judge Alonzo Harris extended the closure due Hurricane Laura’s landfall expected about 1 a.m. Thursday.
5:50 p.m.Wednesday: LCG urges residents to separate debris by category
Should Hurricane Laura cause flooding or severe wind damage, it is essential that residents and business owners separate items by category before placing them curbside, Lafayette Consolidated Government officials said.
Because area landfills are permitted to accept certain materials, not all flood debris is taken to the same location.
"In 2016, when flooding devastated areas of Lafayette Parish, debris was piled up which made it difficult to determine which type of landfill items needed to be transferred to,"Lafayette Consolidated Government Environmental Quality Manager Bess Foret said. "We want to help residents avoid that."
Properly separating items allows crews to determine where debris will be taken, and it helps pickup happen in a more timely manner.
"We have to be aware of hazardous items potentially contaminating other waste," Forest said. "In 2016, large, unseparated piles and materials placed in black, plastic bags presented a challenge when crews picked up debris."
Items should not be placed in bags and should be separated into the following categories:
- Electronics:Television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player
- Large Appliances :Refrigerator, washer/dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher
- Hazardous Waste:Oil, battery, pesticide, paint, cleaning supplies, compressed gas
- Vegetative Debris: Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants
- Construction Debris:Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing
- Household Garbage:Bagged garbage, food, paper, packaging
Here are some debris placement guidelines from Lafayette Consolidated Government:
- Place debris curbside.
- Do not place near or on trees, poles, fire hydrants, meters or utilities.
- Debris should not block roadway.
- Debris placed on the sidewalk will not be picked up.
- Secure appliance doors.
5:40 p.m. Wednesday: National Weather Service urges people to take shelter
The National Weather Service urges people to take shelter in sturdy structures:
"If you were not ordered to evacuate, be prepared to take shelter in a sturdy structure in an interior room away from windows on the lowest floor possible. Dangerous winds will last for hours in many locations tonight and/or tomorrow," NWS tweeted.
5:30 p.m. Wednesday: Oil and gas platforms and rigs evacuated ahead of Hurricane Laura landfall
NEW YORK (AP) — The energy industry braced Wednesday for catastrophic storm surges and winds as Hurricane Laura cuts a dangerous path toward the coastlines of Texas and Louisiana.
Oil and gas producers have evacuated platforms and rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and companies are shutting down refineries in the storm’s path. Many had already done so while they were preparing for Tropical Storm Marco. Utilities are bracing for downed power lines and blackouts.
“These hurricanes, they can attack the entire energy infrastructure,” said Jim Burkhard, head of IHS Markit research for crude oil markets. “And it’s not just a refinery being shut down, but if a pipeline gets shut down, or the electrical grid gets damaged, it shows how integrated all these systems are: pipelines, refineries, electricity. And it’s that aggregate damage that can be so challenging to overcome.”
Nearly half of the oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico — almost 300 — were evacuated by Wednesday, along with most of the offshore rigs. Producers shut in 84% of the oil produced in the region, taking about 1.6 million barrels per day off the market. The Gulf region usually produces about 15% of the oil in the U.S. Producers also shut in about 61% of the natural gas produced in the Gulf.
5:15 p.m. Wednesday: NHC says water levels expected to rise quickly overnight
The National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m.Position Update for Hurricane Laura:Low tide occurred along the northwestern Gulf coast within the past hour, and water levels are expected to rise quickly Wednesday evening and overnight due to storm surge and the tide.
5 p.m. Wednesday:Storm cleanup resources available from LSU AgCenter for after Hurricane Laura
Louisiana homeowners who need guidance on cleaning up and making repairs following Hurricane Laura can turn to information from the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center.
A "Flood Recovery and Resilience"page is on the AgCenter website at www.LSUAgCenter.com/LaHouse. Scroll down to the Flood Recovery and Resilience link.It includes links to articles and publications on storm recovery and ways to avoid similar damage in the future.
The "Storm Damage Cleanup Highlights" publication, available at bit.ly/lsuagstormcleanup, covers many topics, from how to know when well water is safe to how to replace flooring.
4:50 p.m. Wednesday: Significant weather advisory issued for parts of central Louisiana
The National Weather Service has issued a significant weather advisory for parts of central Louisiana—Rapides, northern Evangeline, northeastern Beauregard, Avoylles and Vernon parishes— in effect until 5 p.m. CDT.
At 4:15 p.m. Doppler radar was tracking outer bands of Hurricane Laura near Alexandria, moving northwest at 40 mph. Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph will be possible with this band of storms.
Locations impacted include Alexandria, Pineville, Leesville, Marksville, Bunkie, Simmesport, Rosepine, Glenmora, Boyce and Moreauville.
Torrential rainfall also is occuring with this band of storms and may lead to localized flooding.
A tornado watch remains in effect until 9 p.m. for central, southwestern and west central Louisiana.
4:45 p.m. Wednesday: AT&T offering unlimited talk, text and data in many Louisiana ZIP codes
AT&T customers, including pre-paid customers, will get unlimited talk, text and data access in over 700 Louisiana and Texas ZIP codes through Sept. 1.Find the list of ZIP codeshere.
"To make this possible we’re automatically issuing credits and waiving additional service charges for AT&T wireless customers with billing addresses and AT&T PREPAID customers with phone numbers in directly impacted zip codes* at this time," according to theAT&Twebsite. "Customers in these areas may still receive alerts during these dates, but accounts will reflect the credits and/or waived data, voice and text charges."
To help recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Laura, customers can text “LAURAMARCO: to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross. You can also text “FOOD” to 80100 to donate $10 to World Central Kitchen.
Flexible payment arrangements can be made with AT&T for customers who need assistance because of storm impact.
4:35 p.m. Wednesday: NHC expects 'catastrophic storm surge' in areas due to Hurricane Laura
The National Hurricane Center reports in its 4 p.m. update that "catastrophic storm surge, destructive winds, and widespread flash flooding expected over portions of southwestern Louisiana and far southeastern Texas."
4:20 p.m. Wednesday: Gov. Edwards activates entireLouisiana National Guard before Laura landfall
Gov. John Bel Edwards has activated the entire Louisiana National Guardin anticipation of landfall of Hurricane Laura this evening.
"At the direction of the Governor, the Louisiana National Guard has more than 3,000 Guardsmen ready to support current and future operations ahead of Hurricane Laura’s landfall tonight, Aug. 26, to include but not limited to: high-water vehicle and boat evacuations, both boat and air search and rescue operations, logistical support, engineering support, levee inspection/security, and placement of liaison officer teams assisting parish emergency operations centers," Sgt. 1st Class Denis B. Ricousaid in a release.
Ricou said the number of guardsmen mobilized will continue to increase.
The Louisiana National Guard currently has approximately 19 helicopters available, along with 222 high-water vehicles and 65 boats manned and staged in southern Louisiana prepared to provide evacuation, search and rescue, and recon support.
In order to provide logistical support to citizens following the storm, guardsmen have strategically placed 921,000 liters of water and 528,000 MREs for potential distribution. The Guard also has 10 engineer assessment teams and eight engineer work teams staged and ready to respond following destruction from Laura in order to clear roads and inspect infrastructure.
4:05 p.m. Wednesday: Beaumont and Orange, Texas, preparing for Hurricane Laura
Neighbors of the Beaumont neighborhood known as The Avenues gathered Wednesday in front of Debb’s Liquor, a business that’s been around for 65 years, as brothers Frank and Joe Messina boarded up windows at their College Street store. As clouds began to roll in with wind gusts, Frank Messina said his place was one of the last to close.
“It looks like it’s coming in now, so we’re going to be closing soon,” Messina said. “We’ll reopen depending on the electricity. For Hurricane Rita it was out for about a week. I think this is going to be a mix between Rita and Harvey, two of the worst that ever hit the Gulf Coast.”
Hurricane Laura is forecast to pummel the Texas and Louisiana coasts overnight. Meteorologists at the National Hurricane Center say Laura could deliver storm surges as high as 20 feet in coastal areas of southeast Louisiana.
Interstate 10, which runs just west of downtown Beaumont, was mostly deserted by 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, save for the occasional vehicle stopping for gas before heading out of town.
Areas in Orange mirrored Beaumont Wednesday afternoon with much of the city shut down and people scarce.
4 p.m. Wednesday: WeatherTiger to live-blog Hurricane Laura's landfall
WeatherTiger, which creats forecast models,will be live-blogging the landfall of Hurricane Laura starting at 6 p.m. CT via The Daily Advertiser and The USA TodayNetwork. Thecoverage of this historic Category 4 storm is expected to continue until around 2 a.m. CDT.
3:45 p.m. Wednesday: Water rising along Texas coast
Water levels are beginning to rise along the southeast coastof Texas, according to theNational Hurricane Center's 3p.m. Hurricane Laura Tropical Cyclone Update.
A National Ocean Service water level station at Sabine Pass, Texas, recently reported about 2.3 feet of inundation above ground level.
The Eugene Island NOS station recently measured sustained winds of 36mph and a gust to 45mph.
The update warned of "catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding expected along the northwest Gulf Coast" Wednesday evening.
3:35 p.m. Wednesday: Lafayette Parish residents can report storm damage online
Lafayette Consolidated Government encourages Lafayette Parish residents whose home or business has experienced storm damage, including wind, and/or flooding as a result of Hurricane Laura, to fill out aDamage Assessment Form.
This information not only documents the impact of the storm on individuals, families and businesses, it alsoassists the parish in qualifying for future federal funding, according to LCG.
The form may be filled out online at lafayetteohsep.org or over the phone at (337) 291-5075.
3:30p.m. Wednesday: Lafayette asked to call 911 to report flooding
Lafayette OHSEP and the Emergency Operations Center is asking those who wish to report flooding to call 911. Do not call 311 to report flooding issues, the line has been updated accordingly, according to city officials.
3:25 p.m. NWS issues tornado watch
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a tornado watch for portions of southern and western Louisiana and southeastern Texas through 9 p.m.
A few tornadoes are likely, the center warned, in Laura's outer rain bands. The watch area is 80 miles north and south of a line from 70 miles west of Fort Polk to 15 miles northeast of Houma.
A tornado warning was issued for Vernon, Louisiana and St. Charles, Louisiana and another is in effect in Newton, Texas.
3:15 p.m. Wednesday: Laura's max wind increase is 'fastest 24-hour intensification since Hurricane Maria'
Laura's maximum winds increased by 65 mph in 24 hours, growing from 75 mph to 140 mph,Phil Klotzbach, research meteorologist at Colorado State University tweeted Wednesday afternoon.
That's the fastest 24-hour intensification since Hurricane Maria in 2017,he said.
2:45 p.m. Wednesday: NWS calls Laura 'a VERY dangerous storm' on Twitter
The National Weather Service tweeted: "The NEXRAD radar data out of Lake Charles, LA shows #Laura's strong outer bands already pushing through southern Louisiana & east Texas, as well as a clear outline of the eye of the hurricane. This is a VERY dangerous storm."
2:25 p.m. Wednesday: Laura could be 4th Category 4 hurricane to make landfall in LA since 1851
Only three Category 4 hurricanes have made landfall in Louisiana since 1851, according toPhilip Klotzbach, a research meteorologist at Colorado State University.
They are:Last Island, in 1856 with 150 mph winds; Chenier Caminanda in 1893 with 130 mph winds and Betsy in 1965 with 130 mph winds.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita wereCategory 3 at landfall. Hurricane Camille was close to the state linebut didn't officially cross the coastline until after hitting Misssissippi.
2:05 p.m. Wednesday: NHC warns of 'catastrophic storm surge' as water begins to rise on Gulf Coast
Water levels are beginning to rise along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, according to theNational Hurricane Center's 2 p.m. Hurricane Laura Tropical Cyclone Update.
A National Ocean Service water level station at Eugene Island,Louisiana, recently reported about 3.2 feet of inundation above ground level.
The Eugene Island NOS station also recently measured sustained winds of 35 mph and a gust to 41 mph.
The update warned of "catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding expected along the northwest Gulf Coast" Wednesday night. There is "little time to protect life and property."
1:55 p.m. Wednesday: Hurricane Laura now strongest August storm in Gulf since Katrina
Hurricane Laura is now the strongest August hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico since Katrina in 2005, said Phil Klotzbach, a research meteorologist from Colorado State University.
1:20p.m. Wednesday: Tornado warning in Acadia, Vermilion
A tornado warning has been issued for Acadia, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vermilion Parishes until 1:30 p.m.
1:05 p.m. Wednesday: Lafayette, other Acadiana parishes under significant weather advisory
At 12:46 p.m. the weather service issued a significant weather advisory for southern Lafayette, Cameron, IberiaSt. Mary, Jefferson Davis, southern Acadia, southeastern Calcasieu, Vermilion, southern St. Martin and southern Allen parishes until 1:30 p.m. CDT.
Doppler radar identified rain bands from Laura with winds gusting at 50 mph moving into the area from the southeast.
12:50p.m. Wednesday: Laura now "extremely dangerous" Category 4 hurricane
The National Hurricane Center issued the advisory when the storm's winds reached 140 mph as it continues heading for Louisiana through the hot Gulf of Mexico waters. The storm is expected to continue strengthening, according to the center.
12:30p.m. Wednesday: Southeast Louisiana'sLA 1 closed in Lafourche Parish atLeon Theriot Lock.
The Sheriff's Office is reporting water flooding the roadwayin that area from Golden Meadow and Leeville.
12:15 p.m. Wednesday: Gov. John Bel Edwards says Laura will be 'catastrophic' for Louisiana
The governor noted "for the first time in many years" the Louisiana National Guard is activated. He said he is expecting I-10 in Lake Charles and beyond to be underwater, with as much as 10 inches of rain expected and significant storm surge.
12 p.m. Wednesday: Parts of Vermilion Parish under mandatory evacuation; curfew issued
The Vermilion Parish Police Jury hasordered a mandatory evacuation for these areas.
Evacuation for these areas are mandatory:
- Pecan Island;
- Intracoastal City;
- Esther;
- Forked Island;
- Mouton Cove;
along with the following areas, South of La. Hwy. 14:
- Erath;
- Delcambre;
- Gueydan; and
- ·any low lying areas prone to flooding.
If the storm maintains its current track and projected strength as a Category 3 or 4, it will cause massive tidal flooding with a possible 12 to 18 foot surge and catastrophic wind damage to structures in Vermilion Parish creating a very dangerous situation to include loss of life, according to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office.
A curfew is in place beginning Wednesday at 9p.m. until 5a.m. until further notice.
"Those choosing to stay and face this very dangerous storm must understand that rescue efforts cannot and will not begin until after storm and surge has passed and it is safe to do so," reads the release. "Please evacuate and if you choose to stay and we can’t get to you, write your name, address, social security number and next of kin and put it a ziplock bag in your pocket.Praying that it does not come to this!"
11:45 a.m. Wednesday: Laura prompts businesses to close, change hours
As Hurricane Laura makes its way toward Louisiana, many Lafayette-area businesses are closing down or changing their hours ahead of the storm.
The Daily Advertiseris keeping track of what changes businesses are making ahead of Laura, which could land as a powerful hurricane.
Find the full list here to see changes at places from Olde Tyme Grocery to Mattress Doctor.
11:35 a.m. Wednesday: St. Landry issues curfew, burn ban
St. Landry Parish interim President Jessie Bellard issued a parishwide curfew that begins Wednesday at 7 p.m. following avoluntary evacuation order for residents living in areas that are susceptible to flooding.
Bellard said the curfew order will extend at least until Thursday at 6 a.m.
In addition, Bellard said he is also ordering a parishburn ban until power is restored.Bellard said the burn ban is necessary because of the threat of smoke from burning materials entering residences where windowsmay be open due to the lack of power.
The parish as of Wednesday morning has no plans of opening any evacuee shelters in the parish, Bellard said.
Bellard blamed COVID-19 limitations on the number of people that could be accepted into potential shelters.
11:30 a.m. Wednesday: NHC expects 'widespread damaging wind gusts
The National Hurricane Center is reporting on expected intense winds from Hurricane Laura when it makes landfall early Thursday.
The Center tweeted: "Hurricane-force winds and widespread damaging wind gusts will spread well inland across portions of E Texas and W Louisiana early Thursday. Here are the latest probabilities for sustained hurricane-force-winds. Visit http://weather.gov for info specific to your area. #Laura"
11:20 a.m. Wednesday: NWS expects 'unsurvivable storm surge'
The National Weather Service is reporting that "unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves will cause catastrophic damage from Sea Rim State Park, Texas, to Intracoastal City, Louisiana, including Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes. This surge could penetrate up to 30 miles inland from the immediate coastline."
The Lake Charles office of the National Weather Service may be evacuating. They said products may be issued by other forecast offices.
"We could be looking at a Category 4, possibly a strong Category 4 storm at landfall," Donald Jones, NWS Lake Charles meteorologist.
The size of Laura's wind field of the storm is expanding.
"If you live anywhere along or south of I-10 across Jefferson and Orange counties and Cameron and Calcasieuparishes, if you do not evacuate, your life will be in immediate danger," Jones said.
11:15 a.m. Wednesday: Gov. Edwards to give 11:30 update on Laura
Gov. John Bel Edwards will hold an 11:20 a.m. press briefing as Hurricane Laura approaches the Gulf Coast. Tune in here.
11 a.m. Wednesday: St. Mary Parish issues mandatory evacuation for south of Intracoastal
St. Mary Parish President David Hanagriff has issued a mandatory evacuation for areas south of Intracoastal Waterway, including:
- Ashton
- Freetown Rd.
- Glencoe
- Louisa
- South of La. 83 at Cypremort Road
- Residents along Kelly Canal
Hanagriff said if you had any flooding for hurricanes Barry or Rita, or if you are near any waterway, a voluntary evacuation is being ordered.
10:30 a.m. Wednesday: Acadian Ambulance has new resources to aid in evacuation
In addition to 615 ambulances and a medical team numbering over 3,000 medics, Acadian Ambulance has added new resources to further enhance theirmass casualty response and evacuation services.
In 2019, Acadian added two ambulance buses to their fleet of ambulances and aircraft. Known as an Ambus, these buses are dedicated patient evacuation vehicles, with a capacity of transporting up to 20 patients at a time.
Both of Acadian’s Ambus units are currently being used to evacuate patients prior to Hurricane Laura’s landfall. In addition, the City of New Orleans Emergency Medical Services is sending their ambulance bus to Southwest Louisiana to further enhance evacuation efforts.
Acadian Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance services in the nation, offering emergency and non-emergency transportation to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
10:15 a.m. Wednesday: SLCC closing through Friday
South Louisiana Community College will remain closed and all classes canceled Thursday and Fridayas Hurricane Laura approaches Louisiana's coast.
The school made the announcement Wednesday morning "with the safety of our students, faculty, and staff as our first priority. It affects all SLCC campuses.
The college is expecting to resume operations and classes Monday.
10 a.m. Wednesday: Trump expands emergency declarations
FEMA madeemergency aidavailable to Louisiana over theweekend, and nowthat Hurricane Laura is bearing down on the Louisiana-Texas border, President Donald Trump has amended the emergency declarations.
The president’s action expands the declarations to cover emergency protective response actions that state, local and tribal officials take in the areas affected by Hurricanes Laura and Marco beginning Aug. 22, 2020 and continuing.
In Louisiana, Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes, are eligible for reimbursem*nt for eligible emergency protective measures (Category B). These parishes were previously limited to direct federal assistance, and reimbursem*nt for mass care including evacuation and shelter support, according to the declaration.
The President’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to save lives, to protect property, public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe, according to the declaration.
9:45a.m. Wednesday: Curfews in place in Acadiana
Acadiana parishes are issuing emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Laura’s anticipated landfall overnight Wednesday including curfews for area residents.
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory announced a parishwide curfew Tuesday afternoon that will begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 and run until 6 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.
The order prohibits non-essential travel within Lafayette Parish, except for people going to and from work, in anticipation of high-speed winds and potential flooding expected by Hurricane Laura, which headed toward the Lake Charles area as a potential Category 3 storm.
Iberia Parish President Larry Richard also issued an emergency order Tuesday instituting a parishwide curfew starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday and expiring at 6 a.m. Thursday.
Both parishes have already issued voluntary evacuation orders for residents alongside nearly all Acadiana parishes, including Acadia, Vermilion, St. Martin and St. Mary parishes.
St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars issued a similar curfew Tuesday that will run from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 7 a.m. Thursday and then from 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday.
Acadia Parish Sheriff KP Gibson issued a curfew to start at dusk Wednesday and lift at dawn Thursday.
The city of Abbeville issued a curfew starting at 10 p.m. Wednesday and lifting 5 a.m. Thursday. The curfew was issued by Abbeville Police Chief Bill Spearman. Any subsequent curfews will be issued daily.
9:30 a.m. Wednesday: Evacuation orders issued
As Hurricane Laura continues to track toward Louisiana, several parishes have issued evacuation orders.
Laura is forecast to approach the upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts on Wednesday night and moveinland near those areas on Thursday, the NHC said.The storm is forecast bring 4-8inches of rainfall to the coasts of Louisiana, Texas and parts of Mississippi, with isolated maximum amounts of 12 inches.
These Louisiana parishes and cities have issued evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Laura:Acadia, Baytown, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Grand Isle, Iberia, Jefferson, Jeff Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Plaquemines, Port Fourchon, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary and Terrebonne.
Evacuation Orders:These Louisiana parishes have issued evacuation orders ahead of Hurricane Laura
