Laura Downgraded To Tropical Depression After Ravaging Louisiana, Leaving Six Dead

Just as Laura rapidly strengthened to a category 4 hurricane ahead of landfall, it was sapped of its strength just as rapidly. It has since weakened to a tropical depression as it continues moving northeastward across the Mid-Atlantic toward the East Coast.

As of Friday, Laura was moving northeast at 13 mph with sustained winds averaging 30 mph.

“Little change in strength is expected on Friday, with strengthening expected late Saturday into Sunday as Laura moves into the northwest Atlantic,” the National Hurricane Center said.

As Laura continued moving northeast, recovery efforts began in eastern Texas and Louisiana after the storm ravaged most of the region. Over 700,000 customers were still without power between the two states and at least six deaths have been reported in Laura’s wake. Victims included a 14-year-old girl and 68-year-old man who died after trees fell on their respective homes. Another 24-year-old man was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning caused by his generator.

However, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said damage was not as bad as originally believed.

“It is clear that we did not sustain and suffer the absolute, catastrophic damage that we thought was likely,” Edwards told reporters. “But we have sustained a tremendous amount of damage.”

Heading into the weekend, rainfall is still forecast to be strong enough to cause flooding across parts of the Midsouth and Mid-Atlantic.

“Northeastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, northern Alabama, western and middle Tennessee, southeastern Missouri, western and central Kentucky: 1 to 3 inches, with isolated totals of 5 inches,” the NHC said. “Southern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and southern Alabama: 1 to 2 inches, with isolated totals of 4 inches.”

“On Saturday, Laura is expected to produce 1 to 2 inches with isolated maximum amounts of 3 inches across portions of the central and southern Appalachians, and the Mid-Atlantic States. This rainfall may lead to flash and urban flooding and rapid rises on small streams.”

The NHC also warned some tornadoes could form Friday afternoon around the Midsouth as Laura continues its march toward the Atlantic Ocean.