Hurricane Laura Nears Category 5 Strength With 'Unsurvivable Storm Surge,' NHC Warns

KEY POINTS

The National Hurricane Center warns of potentially "unsurvivable" storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding
Power outages have begun in Louisiana and Texas
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards urges people to stay off roads

The "extremely dangerous" Hurricane Laura was on the verge of becoming a Category 5 storm as it made landfall in southwestern Louisiana early Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center warned of potentially "unsurvivable" storm surge, extreme winds and flash flooding on the Louisiana and Texas coasts ahead of the rapidly developing hurricane..

The hurricane's center made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, just shy of Category 5 status. Laura is one of the strongest storms to ever hit the Gulf Coast.

"An unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves is coming soon for Sea Rim State Park TX to Intracoastal City, LA, including Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes & could penetrate 40 miles inland," the center said in the updated advisory.

"This is a life-threatening situation. All preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion in the next few hours," the advisory warned.

Here are the Key Messages for extremely dangerous Hurricane #Laura for Thu pm. An unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves is coming soon for Sea Rim State Park TX to Intracoastal City, LA, including Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes & could penetrate 40 miles inland. pic.twitter.com/k6Ds0jAjni
— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 27, 2020

CNN reported that both Louisiana and Texas have already started witnessing the impact of the storm as power outages have begun in both the states.

Warning residents to stay off roads, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said, "Much of our state is in the path of Hurricane Laura tonight. Whether you evacuated or are at home, you need to stay off the roads. This is a time for all of us to be praying for the best, while we're prepared for the worst. God bless you and your families. Be safe tonight."

Addressing the residents along the Gulf Coast, Vice President Mike Pence said, "Our prayers are with you tonight, and our administration is working closely with authorities in the states that will be impacted. FEMA has mobilized resources and supplies for those in harm’s way. This is a serious storm, and we urge all those in the affected areas to heed state and local authorities. Stay safe, and know that we’ll be with you every step of the way to support, rescue, response, and recover in the days and weeks ahead. That’s what Americans do."