Hurricane Laura has intensified quickly into a strong Category Two hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour. Forecasters say Laura will develop into a powerful Category Four storm before making landfall as a major storm early tomorrow morning. Landfall is still expected near the Texas-Louisiana state line and Governor Edwards is watching the track of the storm, to see if it keeps nudging to the east…
cut 14 (07) “…even further”
A mandatory evacuation has been called for Calcasieu Parish. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says it is likely the area will see severe damage to critical infrastructure…
cut 5 (11) “…services”

Cajun Navy Relief is activating its team of volunteers to assist in rescues, recoveries, and clean up from Hurricane Laura. From boat crews to chainsaw crews, founder of Cajun Navy Relief Colleen Udell says it’s all hands on deck.
Cut 8 (07) “…as we speak.”
Udell says COVID-19 spread mitigation efforts will be implemented into their operations.

Governor Edwards encourages residents in the path of the storm to be where they will ride out the storm by noon today. Because of COVID-19 there’s a concern about putting a bunch of people in a shelter, but the state has booked hundreds of rooms at hotels and motels for sheltering needs.
Cut 16 (08) “…appreciative of that.”
The state is also helping to coordinate transportation needs for those who are unable to get out of southwest Louisiana on their own means.