Tropical Storm Laura remains on track to become a hurricane Tuesday and is expected to threaten the Southwest Louisiana Coast very close to being a major hurricane at landfall Wednesday evening.
Laura was slowly strengthening Monday evening while still interacting with the Western portion of Cuba.
Maximum sustained winds were near 65 mph and the storm was moving smartly to the west-northwest near 20 mph...it should slow a little while in the central Gulf when significant strengthening is expected to occur.
The central pressure of the storm was a little lower (meaning stronger) through Monday evening, and is expected to become a hurricane as early as Tuesday morning.
The National Hurricane Center forecasts Laura to be a strong Category 2 storm with 110 mph winds...which is on the verge of a major category storm (11mph or greater) at landfall.
The track forecast was essentially unchanged from the 4pm advisory, but can still change, including the intensity forecast Tuesday.
A Hurricane Watch is in effect for most of Acadiana with a switch to hurricane warnings for all or portions of the area likely to come Tuesday.
This storm could bring "high impact" hurricane hazards to portions of Louisiana and Acadiana.
In addition to hurricane force winds and widespread power outages, flooding rainfall of 6-12 inches or more in isolated spots will be possible, and a very large storm surge of 7-11 feet or more will also be possible along the coast.
Stay with KATC, katc.com, and social media for the latest concerning Laura,
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
