Unfortunately the predictions of continued strengthening for Hurricane Laura have proven accurate. Hurricane Laura now holds sustained winds near 125 MPH with additional strengthening likely prior to landfall later tonight. This will makes Laura likely a Category-4 hurricane upon landfall.
[Comparison: Hurricane Charley – August 2004 / Hurricane Michael – Oct 2018]
All residents in the impact zone (approximately 70 miles in diameter) are urged to evacuate the coastal areas. Remember, you can hide from wind, but you cannot escape a dangerous storm surge. Take every precaution to protect your family.
[Hurricane Center] – At 1000 AM CDT (1500 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Laura was located near latitude 27.0 North, longitude 92.0 West. Laura is moving toward the northwest near 16 mph (26 km/h). A gradual turn toward the north-northwestward and north is expected later today and tonight. On the forecast track, Laura will approach the Upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts this evening and move inland within that area tonight. The center of Laura is forecast to move over northwestern Louisiana tomorrow, across Arkansas Thursday night, and over the mid-Mississippi Valley on Friday. (more)
(more…)