Hurricane Laura Update - Wednesday August 26 4:00 am

Click HERE to see the 4 am slides for Hurricane Laura.

Here is an update concerning Hurricane Laura. 

Changes from previous update: 
Flash Flood Watch has been extended eastward to the Pearl River. No other significant changes. 
MODERATE RISK FOR HEAVY RAINFALL....2 to 5" of rain possible today with a streak of double that possible. That means if the streak is over you, flash flooding is possible and subsequently could lead to river flooding.

Overview:
Hurricane Laura made landfall near Cameron Louisiana as a powerful category 4 hurricane just after midnight. Hurricane Laura will continue to push inland after making landfall and gradually weaken today.

Impacts:

Storm Surge:

Ongoing surge will continue today but levels will gradually begin to lower later today through Friday

• Possible storm surge inundation levels:

  • Morgan City to MS River: 4-7 ft inundation, highest values mainly west of Grand Isle

  • All other coastal areas: 1-3 ft

• Expect low-lying, coastal roads to remain flooded and several may remain impassable through tonight

• Some areas will remain cut off or inaccessible

Wind and Tornado: 

• Wind gusts above tropical storm force will continue through much ofthe morning hours mainly across areas near and just east of the Atchafalaya River
• These winds could result in minor damage mainly to trees, powerlines, and weaker structures.  A few trees may fall and block roadways or damage structures.
• Tornadoes will also be possible in the storm’s rain bands today. Tornadoes in these situations are typically short-lived, but they move very quickly

Rainfall/Flooding:

• A flash flood watch is in effect through 7pm today

• There is a potential for heavy rainfall if/where any of Laura's outer bands track

• Expect ponding of water in low lying areas and some potential for localized flash flooding

The attached briefing below highlights the threats associated with this system.

Additional Information and Resources:
NWS New Orleans Website: www.weather.gov/neworleans
NWS New Orleans DSS Website: http://www.weather.gov/lix/embrief
NWS New Orleans Tropical Page: https://www.weather.gov/srh/tropical?office=lix
River Gauges and Forecasts: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=lix
NWS New Orleans Facebook: www.facebook.com/NWSNewOrleans
NWS New Orleans Twitter: https://twitter.com/NWSNewOrleans
Online Severe Weather Reporting: https://www.weather.gov/lix/submit_storm_report
National Hurricane Center Website: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/