A hurricane warning is now in effect from San Luis Pass Texas to Intracoastal City as southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas brace for impact ahead of Hurricane Laura’s arrival as a major hurricane. Hurricane conditions are expected to arrive in this area tomorrow night and State Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s when the heavy rainfall will start as well…
Cut 13 (09) “…southwestern Louisiana”
Models show Laura is expected to ramp up to category three strength before hitting land.
Over 400,000 Louisianans will receive federally boosted unemployment benefits tomorrow, a 900 dollar payment retroactive to August 1st. But Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says about 87,000 unemployed will not qualify, most of them because they don’t earn enough in-state benefits.
Governor Edwards will be extending Phase 2 restrictions but for how long is uncertain at this time. The order keeps most businesses at 50% capacity, bars closed, and masks mandatory. Edwards says several factors contribute to the decision, including the return to campus for K-12 schools and colleges.
Cut 9 (11) “…in the hospital.”
The current order is set to expire on Friday.
Louisiana reports 550 new COVID-19 cases, and continuing, declining hospitalizations, but unfortunately sees 33 new deaths from the disease today.