Hurricane Laura was a destructive storm, but the damage to crops is not as severe as feared. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says about 27-percent of the rice crop was not harvested, but most of the sugarcane is salvageable
Cut 3 (08) “…harvest begins”
Strain says about 45-percent of the cotton crop was in the boll stage, which makes it susceptible to strong winds and rain. He says they should have a damage estimate in a couple of weeks.

Just over 10-thousand evacuees are staying hotels statewide, most are in New Orleans. Storm victims seeking shelter should report to the Alexandria MegaShelter. Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the state can help with transportation…
cut 12 (11) “…to New Orleans”
For more information call 2-1-1.

After a hurricane, the Red Cross is on the ground helping with recovery efforts. Because of COVID, many people might be hesitant to go to Lake Charles, but Ed Bush with the Louisiana Red Cross, says they can use online volunteers to help with front-line efforts…
cut 5 (10) “…the ground”
Those interested can fill out an application at red-cross-dot-org.

Today is September first and getting electricity restored by the end of the month in the very hardest-hit areas of southwest Louisiana will be difficult. Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says if you do have to be on the roads, take it slow, and keep in mind traffic signs were blown down and intersections do not have traffic lights
Cut 14 (09) “…roads are dangerous.”