Laura first hit theLesser Antilles and brushedPuerto Rico as a tropical storm, then moved across the island ofHispaniola, killing 31 people inHaiti and four in theDominican Republic. The storm then moved across the length ofCuba, prompting tropical storm warnings and the evacuation of more than 260,000 people there. Subsequently, the outerrainbands extended into theFlorida Keys andSouth Florida. Laura then moved across theGulf of Mexico, strengthening slowly at first, before a period ofrapid intensification on August 26. That day, Laura became a major hurricane, and later attained its peak 1-minute sustained winds of 150 mph (240 km/h), making it a Category 4 hurricane. The approaching storm prompted the issuing of manywarnings and watches for Louisiana, as well as the evacuation of many people.
Early on August 27, Laura made landfall near peak intensity onCameron, Louisiana. Measured by windspeed, Laura was the tenth-strongest U.S. hurricane on record to made landfall in the U.S. The effects of Laura across Louisiana were devastating. Nearly 10-foot highstorm surge was recorded inCameron Parish. Numerous parishes had severe flooding and extreme damage to houses. Several roads had to be closed, and drivers were advised to use different routes. The storm caused the deaths of 30 people in the state alone. Texas and Arkansas were struck notably hard as well. The storm caused the deaths of at least 41 people in the United States. An estimated $23.3 billion in damages was inflicted on southwestern Louisiana and southeasternTexas near theGulf of Mexico.[1][2]
After landfall, Laura caused significant wind damage in southwest and central Louisiana before becoming a tropical storm later that day. It weakened further to a tropical depression overArkansas the next day. On August 29, Laura degenerated into a remnant low overKentucky, before being absorbed into anotherextratropical storm near the East Coast of the U.S. shortly afterward. Overall, Laura caused more than $23.3 billion in damage and 81 deaths. Areas that were affected by Laura, namely theGulf Coast, were affected again six weeks later byHurricane Delta.
On August 16, 2020, atropical wave along the eastern end of amonsoon trough emerged off the west coast of Africa over the Atlantic Ocean.[3] At this time, theNational Hurricane Center (NHC) noted the possibility oftropical cyclogenesis over the next five days as environmental conditions gradually became more favorable for development.[4] The system produced disorganizedconvection over a broad area and steadily consolidated.[5] Asurface low accompanied by organizingbanding features coalesced about 700 mi (1,100 km) west-southwest of theCape Verde islands.[6] By 03:00 UTC on August 20, the low and accompanying convection became sufficiently organized to be classified as a tropical depression, the thirteenth of the season, about 1,035 mi (1,666 km) east-southeast of theLeeward Islands. The depression moved briskly west-northwest in response to theBermuda High to the north, a high that would steer the system throughout its lifetime.[7][8] After struggling to intensify for over a day, the depression center reformed and an increase an organization and the presence of tropical storm-force winds prompted an upgrade to tropical storm status and storm was namedLaura.[9][10] This marked the earliest classification of a season's twelfth named storm since reliable records began in 1851, surpassing the previous record set byHurricane Luis, on August 28, 1995.[11] Moderatewind shear hampered further development through August 22, displacing the bulk of convection east of the surface circulation.[12] Early on August 22, Laura traversed theVirgin Islands and sideswipedPuerto Rico to the south before makinglandfall in the southeasternDominican Republic withmaximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h) early on August 23.[13][14]
Despite interacting with the mountainous terrain ofHispaniola, the overall structure of Laura actually improved with little intensity loss.[15] Laura subsequently traversedHaiti and emerged over theWindward Passage.[16] Once back over water, the storm intensified some and made a brief landfall around 00:00 UTC on August 24 inSantiago de Cuba Province,Cuba, with winds of 60–65 mph (97–105 km/h) before emerging over the Caribbean along Cuba's southern coast.[17][18][19] Laura's structure briefly degraded on August 24 before it reorganized and traversedPinar del Río Province in western Cuba, early on August 25.[20][21][22] Maintaining a west-northwest trajectory, Laura entered the southeasternGulf of Mexico and quickly organized throughout August 25, reaching hurricane-strength by 12:15 UTC.[23][24] After moving out of an area of dry air, the hurricane began a period ofrapid intensification on August 26.[25][26] The storm grew in size and featured a well-definedeye surrounded by increasingly symmetric deep convection.[27] By 12:00 UTC, Laura strengthened into aCategory 3 hurricane on theSaffir–Simpson scale before becoming aCategory 4 hurricane six hours later.[28][29] Continuing to strengthen into August 27, Laura reached its peak intensity of 150 miles per hour (240 km/h), a high-end Category 4 hurricane, and a minimum pressure of 937 mbar (hPa; 27.67 inHg).[30] At this time, the hurricane turned north toward theTexas–Louisiana coastline within a weakness along the western edge of the Bermuda High.[31]
Animated loop of Laura making landfall nearCameron, Louisiana, early on August 27 from theLake Charles (KLCH) radar, before it failed at 12:53 a.m CDT (05:53 UTC).
The radar after Laura.
Little change in intensity took place in the few hours before Hurricane Laura madelandfall nearCameron, Louisiana, around 06:00 UTC on August 27 near peak strength, as its pressure had risen by 2mbar. Laura matched the strength of the1856 Last Island hurricane for strongest landfall in the state and was the first Category 4 landfall on record in southwestern Louisiana.[32] Progressing inland across southwestern Louisiana, Laura produced destructive winds over a wide area, although the storm rapidly weakened as it progressed farther inland. Steady filling of the storm and the disappearance of its eye ensued throughout the day, and Laura weakened to a tropical storm by 17:00 UTC about 50 miles (80 km) east-southeast ofShreveport.[33][34] Maintaining tropical storm-force winds, the system progressed into southwestern Arkansas.[35] By August 28, Laura degraded to a tropical depression over central Arkansas; heavy rain became the primary threat across theSoutheast.[36] Around that time, the NHC issued their final advisory on Laura, passing on the responsibility for issuing advisories to theWeather Prediction Center (WPC).[37] Gradually losing tropical characteristics, the weakening storm accelerated east-northeast within themid-latitude westerlies.[36][38] The system ultimately degenerated into aremnant low overKentucky early on August 29, as it began merging with an approachingextratropical storm.[39] Laura's remnant low continued moving eastward, before being absorbed into the approaching extratropical system several hours later overMaryland.[40][41]
Preparations
Hurricane Marco (left) and Tropical Storm Laura (right) on August 23.
Lesser Antilles and Virgin Islands
In preparation for the storm, schools were closed inAnguilla andAntigua.[42] A tropical storm watch was issued for several islands in the group on August 20, being upgraded to a warning the next day.[43][44] The storm prompted the closing of all ports in theBritish Virgin Islands.[45]
Dominican Republic
A tropical storm warning was issued covering the coast from Punta Palenque to the northernHaitian border. A red alert was also issued for 18 provinces, a yellow alert for 8, and a green alert for 6.[46]
Haiti
Haitian authorities urged people to evacuate to shelters, and to remember to wear masks and respect social distancing orders in the areas due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[47]
Jamaica and Cayman Islands
Although the center of Laura was forecast to remain north ofJamaica, associated rainbands on the southern side of the circulation were anticipated to bring significant precipitation. On August 23, the Jamaican Meteorological Service issued aflash flood watch for low-lying areas nationwide.[48] This was later upgraded to a flash flood warning on August 24 as torrential rains affected the nation.[49]
Originally, the bulk of the storm was forecasted to stay north of theCayman Islands, but as the forecast kept on shifting further southwest of earlier forecast, the projections of significant precipitation and for Tropical Storm conditions continued to increase. The Cayman Islands Government issued Tropical Storm Warning for their Islands on August 23. This was in addition to the Severe Weather Statements and Flood Warnings that were already posted.[50]
Cuba
Ahead of Laura's firstlandfall inCuba on August 23, tropical storm watches and warnings were issued throughout the nation. At one point, the western tip of Cuba was under both a tropical storm watch from Laura and a tropical storm warning fromHurricane Marco at the same time.[51] Officials evacuated 106,000 people inSantiago de Cuba Province, 81,300 inHolguín Province, and 12,000 inGuantánamo Province.[52] Power was preemptively cut across Guantánamo Province as a precautionary measure.[citation needed] On August 24, a further 45,000 people inVilla Clara Province, 16,466 people inMatanzas Province, and 300 inCiego de Ávila Province were evacuated. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic complicated evacuation efforts, resulting in typical evacuation shelters such as schools not being opened. Those suspected of being infected were relocated to quarantine centers. Residents nationwide were alerted to the potential of widespread flooding as many reservoirs were at or near capacity.[52]
United States
Forecast tracks and accompanying hurricane and tropical storm watches and warnings 21:00 UTC on August 22 for Marco (left) and Laura (right). At the time, both cyclones were forecast to make landfall in Louisiana as hurricanes. However, Marco dissipated along the coast of Southern Louisiana, on August 26. And Laura made landfall, on August 27, as a major hurricane.
Hurricanes Marco and Laura threatened a large swath of oil rigs positioned across the Gulf of Mexico. By August 23, approximately 58 percent of oil production and 45 percent of natural gas production was shut down; this included the evacuation of 114 platforms.[53] By August 25, 299 of 643 platforms and 27 of 28 mobile rigs were evacuated.[54] Seventornado watches were issued for this storm. They included the Coastal Waters as well asTexas,Louisiana,Mississippi,Arkansas,Tennessee,Alabama, andKentucky.[55][56][57][58][59][60][61] The staff at the NWS Lake Charles office also evacuated; warnings for their area being issued by NWS Brownsville. Three rareExtreme Wind Warnings were issued for Louisiana and Texas as Laura approached landfall.[62][63][64]
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico GovernorWanda Vázquez declared a state of emergency, andFEMA teams were ready to help with recovery efforts inPuerto Rico.[65]
Florida
On August 21, Florida GovernorRon DeSantis declared a state of emergency for southern counties in the state. A mobile hospital unit was pre-staged inMarion County andpersonal protection equipment kits were readied for distribution to shelters.[66] Atropical storm watch was issued for theFlorida Keys as the storm approached, although the north side of the area was dropped when Laura went farther south than expected. The rest were eventually upgraded to warnings.[51] The mayor ofMonroe County, Heather Carruthers declared a local state of emergency, and mandatory evacuations formobile homes and boats, although visitors were allowed to stay.[67]
Hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches were issued for areas mainly near and east ofGalveston on August 24. Most were upgraded to warnings the next day and a flash flood watch was also issued for the eastern portion of the state.[51]
On August 23, Texas GovernorGreg Abbott declared a state of emergency for 23 counties in eastern Texas.[68] On August 25, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for low-lying areas ofChambers,Galveston andJefferson counties, and for the entirety ofOrange County. This included the entirety of theBolivar Peninsula and cities of Galveston andPort Arthur.[69] Galveston city officials advised residents that all city services would cease at noon on August 25 and upon the arrival of tropical storm-force winds, emergency services would be suspended.[70] A total of 50 busses were used to assist in evacuations.[71] A voluntary evacuation order was issued for coastal areas ofBrazoria andHarris counties.[69][72] An estimated 385,000 people were under evacuation orders in the state, including the entire city ofBeaumont.[73] On August 25, the next day'sHouston Astros game against theLos Angeles Angels was rescheduled for September 5 in Anaheim.[74]
Hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge watches were issued for almost the entire coastline on August 24. This came just hours after the southeastern portion of the state had their tropical storm and storm surge warnings for Marco cancelled. Most of the watches were upgraded to warnings the next day and a flash flood watch was also issued for the western half of the state as over 10 inches (250 mm) of rain was expected.[51] As the threat of surge increased for the coastline, the NHC stated that there would be "unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves."[75]
Due to the continued threat of Marco and Laura making landfall in Louisiana, on August 21, Louisiana GovernorJohn Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for 36 parishes.[76][77] Evacuations related to Marco were in place forPlaquemines Parish,Jefferson Parish,Grand Isle, andPort Fourchon.[77][78] A mandatory evacuation for the entirety ofCalcasieu Parish, approximately 200,000 people, was ordered on August 25.[73][79] State-run shelters were opened with cots spread farther apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[73] Just hours before Laura made landfall on August 26,I-10 was shut down in both directions between the Louisiana/Texas border eastward to theAtchafalaya Basin.[80]
Mississippi
Despite being well away from the center of the storm, the coastline ofMississippi was placed under a storm surge watch fromOcean Springs westward on August 24 due to the massive size of Laura. However, these were dropped before the storm made landfall.[51] Mississippi GovernorTate Reeves declared astate of emergency on August 22 due to both Hurricanes Laura and Marco threatening the state, which the federal government granted on August 24.[81][82]
Arkansas
Search and rescue teams were put on standby as GovernorAsa Hutchinson declared an emergency ahead of Hurricane Laura and set aside $250,000 to prepare for the storm's impacts.[83] One day later PresidentDonald Trump declared a state of emergency for the state of Arkansas.[84] For the first time in the state's history theNational Weather Service issued tropical storm watches and warnings for several southern counties ofArkansas with local forecasters predicting that areas southeast ofLittle Rock face the greatest risk of damage.[85]
Laura caused widespread devastation throughout most of its path with tropical-storm force winds going over almost all of theAntillean Islands, hurricane and tropical-storm force winds impacting parts ofFlorida,Louisiana,Texas,Mississippi, andArkansas, and flooding rain and storm surge affecting a large portion of the storm's path. Losses are estimated at over $19.1 billion,[1][2] and at least 81 people were killed, with 63 of them coming fromHaiti and Louisiana alone, making Laura the 16th-costliest hurricane on record. With agricultural losses estimated at $1.6 billion, Laura did more agriculture damages in Louisiana than HurricanesKatrina andRita combined.[98]
Tropical Storm Laura brought damaging winds and flooding rains to much of the Dominican Republic. Precipitation was heaviest along the southern coast, with a peak 24-hour accumulation of 11.7 in (300 mm) inBarahona.[102] Approximately 1.1 million people lost power while 1.56 million people experienced disruption to water services.[103][104] Early assessments as of August 24 indicated significant damage to 1,791 homes, prompting the evacuation of 8,995 people.[104] InSanto Domingo, a woman and her son died after their house collapsed, due to the rain brought by Laura,[105] and inPedro Brand, a man died when a tree fell on his house.[106] Severe flooding was reported across Santo Domingo.[107] A police officer died after falling on a downed electric cable in theElías Piña Province.[108]
Similar to the Dominican Republic, heavy precipitation affected much of Haiti; a personal weather station inPort-au-Prince measured 6.61 in (168 mm) of rain.[102] Extensive flooding affected the nation,[109] forcing many families to evacuate their homes.[110] As of August 28, at least 31 people were confirmed dead with another 8 missing.[87] ThePéligre Dam overflowed, sending floodwaters down theArtibonite valley. Public Works Minister Nader Joaseus alerted residents that the dam could collapse. Agriculture suffered significant damage as the nation struggled with COVID-19 related food shortages.[107] Flooding damaged 447 homes and destroyed 15 others across theArtibonite department.[111]
Cuba
After clearingHispaniola, Tropical Storm Laura brought damaging winds and flooding rains toSoutheastern Cuba on August 23–24. Wind gusts reached 91 mph (146 km/h) inMaisí, tearing roofs off homes and downing trees.[112] Rainfall reached 9.51 in (241.5 mm) in Complejo Palma, Santiago de Cuba, and 7.50 in (190.6 mm) in San Antonio del Sur, Guantánamo. Damage across Holguín Province was relatively limited; some structures and crops were damaged and scattered power outages occurred. A bridge inBuey Arriba,Granma Province, collapsed due to flooding, which isolated 30 communities. A station inCabo Cruz recorded sustained winds of 50 mph (80 km/h) and a gust of 65 mph (104 km/h). Minor flooding and power outages occurred inLas Tunas Province.[52]
Jamaica and Cayman Islands
Flash flooding acrossJamaica caused significant disruptions to road infrastructure. A weather station inNegril,Jamaica observed 4.97 in (126 mm) of rain.[102] A landslide blocked the main road toGordon Town; unstable terrain hampered efforts to clear debris. A bridge inSaint Thomas Parish was washed away, isolating residents of Trinityville, Georgia, and Cedar Valley.[113] Additionally, the main road connecting Papine to Dallas Castle inBull Bay collapsed.[114] Wind gusts reached 35 to 40 mph (56 to 64 km/h) along southern coastlines nearKingston, and inMontego Bay on the country's north coast.[102] Initial damage estimates totaled to aroundJ$54 million (US$360,000) according to Jamaica's National Works Agency (NWA).[88]
Rounds of gusty winds and heavy rainfall affected theCayman Islands as Laura passed just to the north.[115]
Hurricane Laura produced at least 16 tornadoes inLouisiana,Arkansas,Mississippi,Tennessee, andAlabama. The preliminary insured damages from Hurricane Laura in Texas and Louisiana were estimated at $19 billion.[118] Laura became the first major hurricane to strike the mainland United States since Michael in October 2018.[119]
Puerto Rico
InPuerto Rico, Laura downed trees and causedflooding inSalinas.[120] Part of the Salinas city sign was also blown over during the storm.[121] A peak of 4.09 in (104 mm) of precipitation was reported inVillalba, with a peak wind gust of 75 miles per hour (120 km/h) being reported in Salinas.[122] Roughly 200,000 customers lost power in Puerto Rico, with nearly 14,000 losing access to running water.[123]
Florida
Tropical storm-force wind gusts affected several counties across southern Florida, particularlyCollier,Miami-Dade, andMonroe counties. A gust of 65 mph (105 km/h) was observed at theTurkey Point Nuclear Generating Station.[124] Farther south, a strongsquall line moved throughKey West, damaging streetlights, downing a tree, and generating a 69 mph (111 km/h) wind gust at the National Weather Service's Key West office.[125][126] On August 25, aSt. George Island first responder drowned while trying to rescue a swimmer caught in rough surf.[89]
The first report of sustained tropical-storm force winds on land was atCypremort Point, onVermilion Bay, where 45 miles per hour (70 km/h) winds were recorded.[127] Numeroustornado warnings began to be issued throughout Louisiana as Laura approached the coast on August 26.[128][129] An EF0 tornado touched down briefly nearPaincourtville, although no damage occurred.[130] Another tornado was reportedly spotted by a trained spotter inBell City, but was never confirmed.[131] Coastal water rises began at around 19:00 UTC on August 26.[132]
Cameron saw at least 9.19 feet (2.80 m) of storm surge.[133]Holly Beach was extensively damaged as an RV was destroyed and several homes suffered roof damage.[134] Storm surge flooding also coveredSH 82.[135] The town ofHackberry was severely damaged by storm surge flooding and two trains were derailed inGrand Lake, where the Grand Lake High School suffered damage.[136][137][138]
Severe damage occurred throughoutLake Charles with widespread catastrophic-level damage to residential and commercial building roofs and structure, as well as half of all matured trees either blown down, badly stripped of branches, or 'broken over'. Double- and Triple-KVA (kilovolt-amp) power transmission towers and lines feeding power throughout the area were heavily damaged and/or destroyed. An RV was blown over and many mobile homes in parks were knocked off of their mounts, some rolled over, older ones stripped of their siding and gutted. TheLake Charles Regional Airport saw a wind gust of 128 miles per hour (206 km/h) as well as multiple hangars destroyed.[139][140][141][142] Another wind gust in the city reached 137 miles per hour (220 km/h).[143] Many windows were blown out ofCapital One Tower in Downtown Lake Charles.[144]
Intracoastal City saw a storm surge of 6 feet (1.8 m).[145] Storm surge also flooded overSH 317 at Burns Point inSt. Mary Parish.[146][147] InSulphur, a hotel was damaged.[148] Extensive structural damage also occurred inVinton.[149] Softwood trees were blown down onFort Polk.[150][151] The NWS radar at Fort Polk also suffered a communication outage, causing it to go down.[152] A home inCarlyss had its roof and entire back room ripped off, while another home was damaged inNew Llano after a carport was blown into it.[153][154] There was extensive damage to trees, power lines and poles, and structures inDe Quincy and much of the town ofDelcambre was left underwater due to flooding.[155][156] A tree was blown down onto a fraternity house inLafayette.[157]
Hurricane Laura caused the largest power outage in Baton Rouge sinceIsaac in 2012.[158]InShreveport a tree fell on a house, injuring a person inside, while another tree fell on a vehicle.[159][160] InMonroe, metal roofing was blown off of multiple buildings.[161] Widespread flooding was reported inNatchitoches Parish, whereI-49 had to be closed pastSH 174 west ofPowhatan due to a downed tree.[162][163] The police station inRobeline had its roof ripped off to go with the numerous downing of large trees throughout the town.[164][165] NearBossier City, a large tree was blown down on theCentenary College of Louisiana campus while several homes were damaged by falling trees south-southwest of the city.[166][167] InGreenwood, flash flooding led to high water over the shoulder roads ofI-20 at exit 5 with drivers being advised to useUS 80 as an alternative.[168]
A total of 30 fatalities occurred throughout the state, four of them arising from falling trees. They included a 14-year-old girl inVernon Parish, a 68-year-old man inAcadia Parish, a 51-year-old man inJackson Parish, and a 64-year-old man inAllen Parish.[169] Carbon monoxide poisoning from generators being inside homes, which is strongly discouraged, led to the deaths of twelve people inCalcasieu Parish and two people inAllen Parish.[90][91] Another man died of drowning while aboard a sinking boat during the storm.[170] Finally, one person died in Calcasieu Parish in a house fire, four people died in Calcasieu Parish,Natchitoches Parish, andRapides Parish during the cleanup process, and eight others died inBeauregard Parish,Grant Parish, Rapides Parish, and Vernon Parish due to heat-related illnesses following the loss of electricity.[90]
Texas
Before the hurricane made landfall, one person was killed and another injured after rough surf from Laura slammed them againstjetties inCorpus Christi on August 26.[93] Another man died after he was electrocuted while preparing for the storm.[95] EasternTexas saw a fewtornado warnings as Laura neared landfall on August 26 as well, but no tornadoes were confirmed.[128][129] Coastal water rises in the southeast part of the state began at around 20:00 UTC that same day.[171] Wind gusts in bothHouston andGalveston peaked at 38 miles per hour (61 km/h).[172] A wind gust of 79 miles per hour (127 km/h) was recorded at Kirbyville Raws site nearCall and trees were downed inGroves.[173][174] InPort Arthur, trees were downed, including one that fell on a house, and a parking lot lamp snapped at its base.[175][176][177] A large tree also fell on and damaged a house inBeaumont.[178] Structural damage occurred in nearPinehurst just west ofOrange, where multiple trees and power lines where downed and several structures, including a church, were damaged.[179][180][181] Structural damage also occurred inBridge City.[182] More trees and power lines were blown down across bothAngelina andSabine Counties, some of which blocked roads.[183][184][185] InHemphill, a roof collapsed at anAshley HomeStore and multiple roads were blocked by falling trees.[186][187] A man was killed northeast of the town when a tree fell on him while he was sitting on a recliner in his home.[94] Southeast of the city, trees fell on homes and blocked all exits in the McGee's Landing Area.[188] East ofCenter, a tree and power lines fell onFM 417 andFM 2694.[189] Following the storm, five people died inSoutheast Texas in four separate incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of improperly-placed generators.[96] One person inNewton County was also killed in the cleanup process.[97]
Mississippi
Despite the reduced surge threat on the coast,Mississippi still faced the threat of tornadoes from the storm, especially on the western side of the state. A number oftornado warnings were issued for parts of the state starting on August 26 with an EF0 tornado confirmed inOxford on August 27.[128][129][190][191] Widespread flash flooding occurred acrossJefferson Davis County. InNatchez, trees were blown down and a sign at anAutoZone damaged six vehicles when it was blown down.[192][193] A tree was also blown down on a house inWarrenton.[194]
Laura enteredArkansas while still at tropical storm strength. Numeroustornado warnings were issued in Arkansas with eight tornadoes confirmed in the state, the largest tornado outbreak ever recorded in the state during the month of August.[129][190][195][196] A high-end EF1 tornado caused significant damage to a church inLake City, though no one injured.[191][197] This same storm dropped another high-end EF1 tornado north ofBrookland.[191] A rarePDS tornado warning was also issued for this tornado.[198] The storm then dropped its strongest tornado, which was rated low-end EF2, which damaged structures and homes southwest ofMaynard.[199] Widespreadflash flood warnings were issued throughout the state. A 57 miles per hour (92 km/h) wind gust was recorded just south ofEl Dorado, causing several trees and power lines to fall, two of which landed on houses. This caused many power outages inUnion County.[200][201][202] Numerous trees were downed in theDoddridge area, including one onUS 71, causing numerous power outages.[203] South ofBradley near theLouisiana/Arkansas state line, a tree fell onAR 29, blocking the road.[204]AR 343 was shut down betweenLewisville andAR 53 due to falling trees.[205] Uprooted trees fell on power lines inDermott and a barn also had its roof removed inWilmot.[206][207]
Trees were uprooted and power lines were downed across a widespread area in several counties.[208][209][210][211][212][213][214] In the town ofCamden, numerous trees were blown down, including one that fell on a house, and a metal roof was blown off a shop building.[215][216] Downed trees were also reported inSheridan and power poles were snapped alongUS 67 northeast ofCaddo Valley.[217][218] EastboundI-30 was shut down west ofHope at mile marker 26 due to a downed tree blocking both lanes of the freeway.[219] InKingsland, several large trees were blown down, including one that significantly damaged a house.[187] InGoodrich, a house carport was destroyed with a hole through its wall.[220] Several roads east ofMena were closed due to flooding.[221] A portion of County Road 106 southwest ofRavenden was washed out due to flooding, and flash flooding inSherwood left an intersection impassable.[222][223]
Moderate to heavy rainfall impacted the eastern half ofOklahoma, prompting aflash flood warning inLe Flore County.[224] Outflow from the storm also generated a band of southwest-moving thunderstorms that extended fromOklahoma City southward to theTexas border.
InTennessee, a flash flood warning was issued inMemphis and tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in the western part of the state late on August 27. The next day, more warnings were issued, including one tornado warning for areas just north ofNashville, which had been hit by a high-end EF3 tornado just undersix months earlier.[224][190] Two EF0 tornadoes were confirmed in the state.[225]
Multiple tornado warnings were also issued in SouthernMissouri,Kentucky, NorthernAlabama, and EasternMaryland.[190][226] Four tornadoes were confirmed in Alabama with three being rated EF1 while the other was rated EF0.[227][228]
Aftermath
Haiti
Following the passage of Laura, Haiti's Directorate General of Civil Protection (DGCP) began damage assessments. The agency quickly distributed food kits to affected residents in theOuest,Nippes,Sud-Est, andSud departments. Water treatment products were sent toAnse-à-Pitres andBelle-Anse by the National Directorate for Drinking Water and Sanitation. TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) andPan American Health Organization (PAHO) deployed medical teams across the country to assist the Haitian National Red Cross Society, though transport of victims was hampered by limited access to ambulances. Eleven schools were converted to shelters; however, many evacuees opted to stay with neighbors or relatives due to fears of COVID-19.[229]
The governors of bothTexas andLouisiana surveyed storm damage in the hardest hit parts of their respective states after the storm had passed. Roads in bothCalcasieu andCameron Parishes in Louisiana were impassable, cutting off road access to bothCameron andCreole. About 200,000 people were left without drinking water after Laura made 80 water systems inoperable. Additionally, some areas saw complete destruction in their power grids, and over a million people lost power. Some areas were expected to be without power for weeks or even months. Multiple homes also were uninhabitable due toair conditioning units being destroyed. Recovery efforts were hampered by additional rainfall in the days after Laura had passed.[230]
After the storm, PresidentDonald Trump approved a post-storm major disaster declaration for 23 parishes in Louisiana on August 27. Two days later, he visited the areas most heavily affected by the storm, includingLake Charles in Calcasieu Parish, andOrange County. Trump visited theCajun Navy, a rescue organization, and met with GovernorJohn Bel Edwards.[231]
Post-storm assessments indicated extensive damage and losses to Louisiana's timber industry with some small private forest landowners reporting complete loss of their timber acreage, an outcome which they had not experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, 15 years earlier.[232] Extensive damage was also reported to Louisiana's industrial facilities with one-third showing some type of damage and nine out of the 138 facilities showing critical damage, causing environmental concerns. Some of the most critically damaged facilities were the BioLab facility in Lake Charles and the Equistar Chemical facility inWestlake, and the Chemical Waste Management facility and the Lotte Chemical plant in Lake Charles.[233]
Many of the repairs in Louisiana were undone six weeks later byHurricane Delta, which made landfall just 12 miles (19 km) east of where Hurricane Laura did, with many areas in and around hard-hit Lake Charles being damaged again.[234][235]
On September 7, 2024, the Capital One Tower was imploded by a demolition crew after the property's owners,Hertz Investment Group, settled with the building's insurance provider,Zurich Insurance Group, for an undisclosed amount. The $7 million demolition was funded by private money secured by the Lake Charles city government. The future of the property remains uncertain.[236]
Retirement
Due to the damage and loss of life in Louisiana and southeast Texas, the nameLaura was retired from the Atlantic rotating naming lists by theWorld Meteorological Organization in March 2021, and will never be used again for an Atlantic tropical cyclone. It was replaced withLeah for the2026 season.[237][238]
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Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression
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