Hurricane Laura is moving west-northwest across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and it’s expected to strengthen into a major hurricane. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting a storm surge as much as 13 feet from Sea Rim State Park in Texas to Intracoastal City, Louisiana. Ashley Buller with the Cameron Parish Emergency Preparedness Office says storm surge is their number one concern…
Cut 4 (11)“ …and water.”
A hurricane warning is now in effect from San Luis Pass Texas to Intracoastal City as they brace for impact. 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 and maintain hurricane status even as it impacts North Louisiana.
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.
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.