Hurricane Laura will make history tonight when it ravages SWLA and surrounding areas.

The storm has grown to 150mph maximum sustained winds (just 7mph away from a category 5 storm) and is moving NNW at 15mph. Currently, the storm is 130 miles away from Lake Charles.

  • Category 4 - 130-156mph. Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
  • Category 5 - 157mph or higher. Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Laura is expected to make landfall early tomorrow morning, just after midnight. If you are hunkering down in SWLA, our thoughts are with you and your family. We will be here for you with all the latest information on the storm and recovery.

Stay safe, SWLA.

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