Hurricane Laura is another feather in the cap for Donald Trump’s beloved “Only in His Presidency” list. The president is often using the phrase to showcase the unique events happening during his term. However, he often uses the bragging rights on events that are disastrous rather than beneficial. Hurricane Laura is such an event that is coming to haunt the lives of Louisiana and Texas. Previously, meteorologists were expecting Hurricane Laura to make landfall as a Category-2 storm. Most forecasts predicted it to strengthen gradually to reach a maximum of Category-3. But in a surprising turn of events, the storm is reaching the south coast in full force.
Hurricane Laura will bring winds reaching 150 mph, which was last seen more than 160 years ago. In 1856, Louisiana witnessed a similar type of horror that went by the name “Last Island Hurricane.” Most of us remember Hurricane Katarina from 2005 as the worst hitting storm, which alleviated from its Category-5 approach to Category-3 when it made landfall. However, Hurricane Laura is increasing its strength as it approaches.
Current Complications on the Coastal US
The storm will make landfall on Calcasieu Parish, where 100,000 residents are under immediate risk of flooding. Authorities help everyone evacuate because rescue will not be possible once the heavy rains and wind reach. However, even though authorities encourage people to move to a safe place, 150 people are refusing evacuation.
In Texas and Louisiana, more than 250,000 people are without power supply. Beaumont and Lake Charles will see storm surge for Laura spreading up to 30 miles. Moreover, safety concerns amidst the Coronavirus are serious because moving residents to shelters will also risk their lives. Storm shelters usually can hold thousands of people at once. However, the risk of COVID-19 means that social distancing norms are the top priority. Therefore, it is safer to evacuate to safer zones than to stay at a nearby shelter.
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Devastation After a Sigh of Relief
Earlier this week, the US’s southern coast was preparing for a double blow of tropical storms. However, Hurricane Marco lost its strength before making the landfall. The relief did not last long, though, because now it appears as if Hurricane Laura is bringing both storms’ collective force together. The Category-4 storm will cause irreparable and unsurvivable damage to the coasts of Louisiana. The 150 mph winds can damage well-framed houses and buildings, and the rain showers will be like a water wall. The trees and power lines are already succumbing to the pressure of the hurricane. Texas and Louisiana states will now go through a long phase of rehabilitation and rescue in the following weeks.