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AssistAlert: Hurricane Laura Upgraded to Category 4

 
 
 



Hurricane Laura Upgraded to Category 4

as it Approaches Louisiana and Texas

August 26, 2020
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SITUATION BRIEF

 

Over the last 24 hours, Hurricane Laura’s wind gusts jumped from 75 mph to 140 mph, resulting in the storm being categorized as a Category 4 Hurricane. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) expects some slight additional strengthening through Wednesday afternoon.

Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall near the Texas and Louisiana border Wednesday night into Thursday morning. A catastrophic storm surge and damaging winds will batter the region and a threat of flooding rain and strong winds will extend well inland. 

 
The NHC forecast shows that the storm will curl northeast on Thursday bringing flood surge across the country later this week.
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ADVICE

  • Those in the Hurricane’s path should heed any and all government directives and should acquaint themselves with the nearest storm shelter as well as how to avail themselves of relief efforts after the storm passes. 

  • Those in coastal areas and/or low-lying areas inland should pay particular attention to building elevation and the potential for flooding,as storm surge and flooding events are frequently the deadliest aspects of tropical systems.

  • If you are currently in Louisiana or Texas, pay close attention to local media sources for weather-related updates, review contingency plans, and heed any directives issued by local authorities, including evacuations. 

  • If the winds are very strong, seek shelter in interior rooms such as bathrooms or stairwells. If you stay in rooms with windows, you run the risk of getting hit with breaking glass.   

  • If you were scheduled to travel to Texas or Louisiana, call your airline carrier or travel agent to postpone your travel plans or for updates on your upcoming trip. 

  • Remember that fierce winds are not the only danger caused by a hurricane. Flooding and landslides are a more dangerous threat of most hurricanes. Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Do not park your vehicle near a stream, pond, or river.   

  • Finally, put together a disaster survival kit. Keep the following supplies near you and put them in a water-tight container: flashlight with extra batteries, first aid kit, common medicines (ibuprofen, aspirin, antihistamines), eyeglasses, drinking water, non-perishable foods, change of clothes, cash and credit cards, and copies of all important documents.  


 
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