'Catastrophic damage': Category 4 hurricane Laura made landfall in USA

Laura, the most powerful hurricane ever to hit the US this year, came ashore at 01:00 local time in southwestern Louisiana, east of the Texas border. At the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Laura was described as a Category 150 "extremely dangerous" hurricane with wind speeds of 241 mph (XNUMX km per hour). Writes about it Sky News.

Photo: Shutterstock

Residents caught in the path of Hurricane Laura have been encouraged to flee, and those who refuse have been warned to prepare for the worst, "catastrophic" and "irresistible" storm surges.

In just 24 hours, the power of the hurricane increased by almost 90%, prompting forecasters to warn of the possibility of even stronger winds that can destroy buildings, cut down trees and throw cars like toys, even push water 40 miles (64 km) inland. ...

“It is very difficult for most people to imagine that a wall of water more than two stories high would come ashore, but this is exactly what will happen,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Schott.

1 am. Almost here ... It's about to GET REAL. #Hurricane #LAURA in Sulfur #Louisiana pic.twitter.com/ilJnshYkBV

- Josh Morgerman (@iCyclone) August 27

“An insurmountable storm surge with large and destructive waves will cause catastrophic damage,” the NHC warned, adding that it could take several days before flood waters recede.

Screenshot: nhc

About 620 people were encouraged to leave their homes near the Texas-Louisiana border, and nearly 000 households and businesses were left without electricity in both states.

Temporary housing has been established outside the affected area for evacuated residents, and emergency teams are strategically located.

EXTREME winds in the eyewall of #Laura here in Lake Charles WELL in excess of 100 mph. #lawx pic.twitter.com/og06tSSje9

- Cory Smith (@wxcory) August 27

A few hours later, although Laura had weakened to a Category 110 storm, she was still able to maintain 177 mph (XNUMX km per hour) winds while moving inland.

On the subject: Category 4 hurricane Laura hit the USA: video report on how it was

Tornado warnings from afar and for southeast Texas, Louisiana, southwest Mississippi.

Videos and photos on social media show heavy rain hitting the streetlights of Lake Charles, a city in southwestern Louisiana.

Screenshot: nhc

However, some residents did not want to leave their domain before Laura struck.

At least 150 people refused to evacuate from the Louisiana coastal parish of Cameron, despite warnings of flooding, and there the hurricane still hit the shore.

Some of them are now crying for help, "but there is no way for that," said a district official.

Forecasters said the water in the Persian Gulf could rise up to 20 feet (6 m) along the coast.

— First light is revealing the incredible damage #HurricaneLaura did here in #LakeCharles #Louisiana over night ... #Laura #CapitolOneTower pic.twitter.com/WSlP0MIZ0K

- WeatherGoingWILD (@WeatherGoinWILD) August 27

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said: "They think Cameron Parish will look like an extension of the Gulf of Mexico for a couple of days."

The official said the state is closing Interstate 10 around the Atchafalaya Bridge outside Lafayette in part of Texas as several sections are expected to be flooded.

Port Arthur, an oil refining city of 54 people in Texas, has become a ghost town after evacuation with a couple of gas stations.

Resident Eric Doe was on his way to a shelter in San Antonio and echoed many fears about the ongoing pandemic: “They say now we must all distance ourselves from society. But how can I distance myself from the community at the shelter? "

Edwards spoke of the "apocalyptic" language that meteorologists used to describe a storm and its aftermath.

He said, "What I've heard from the National Weather Service has never been heard before ... They give the worst prediction of how serious this storm is."

Hurricane #Laura left a trail of destruction in Lake Charles, LA. Winds gusted to at least 132 mph in the city. Video via Brandon Clement with Live Storms Media. #LAwx pic.twitter.com/qUXDvjcuoF

- Ed Piotrowski (@EdPiotrowski) August 27

A Category XNUMX hurricane can cause serious damage that in places may not be replenished for months, and large areas may become uninhabitable for several weeks or months.

To date, Hurricane Hannah in July and Hurricane Isaiah in early August have hit the States this season, as have tropical storms Bertha, Cristobal, Faye, and Marco. Against their background, Laura became a record, seventh named storm that hit the United States.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Hurricane protection: will insurance cover disaster damage

Fires and hurricanes: how to prepare for an emergency evacuation

The first time in history: two powerful hurricanes converge off the coast of the United States

'Extremely Active': Meteorologists Release New Hurricane Season Forecast

Why tornadoes often occur after a hurricane lands on land

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.