Hurricane Laura forecast to strengthen to Category 4 storm by landfall: Latest from NHC

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Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall in southwestern Louisiana as a major hurricane. Accuweather

Hurricane Laura — now a Category 3 — is expected to become an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 hurricane this afternoon before it reaches landfall.

Laura is forecast to weaken after making landfall along the Texas and Louisiana coasts.

Catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding are expected along the northwest Gulf Coast tonight.

On the forecast track, “Laura will approach the Upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts this evening and move inland within that area tonight.

“The center of Laura is forecast to move over northwestern Louisiana tomorrow, across Arkansas Thursday night, and over the mid-Mississippi Valley on Friday,” the National Hurricane Center said.

What we know: Hurricane Laura’s Texas landfall

As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, Laura was recorded by the NOAA having maximum sustained winds of 125 mph. It is located 235 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas.

Laura is moving northwest at 16 mph.

Watches and warnings are in effect for areas across Texas to the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Map the storm: See live spaghetti models, tracker maps as storm nears

Evacuations: Texas cities, counties with evacuation orders as Hurricane Laura looms

Where is Hurricane Laura now?

• Location: 235 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas
• Movement: Northwest at 16 mph
• Maximum sustained winds: 125 mph
• Next update: 1 p.m.

Information gathered from the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Laura watches and warnings

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for 

• Freeport, Texas to the Mouth of the Mississippi River

A Hurricane Warning is in effect for

• San Luis Pass, Texas to Intracoastal City, Louisiana

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for

• Sargent, Texas to San Luis Pass
• East of Intracoastal City, Louisiana to the Mouth of the Mississippi River

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for

• Freeport, Texas to San Luis Pass
• Mouth of the Mississippi River to Ocean Springs, Mississippi
• Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas, and Lake Borgne

A Hurricane Watch is in effect for

• East of Intracoastal City to west of Morgan City, Louisiana

When will Hurricane Laura hit?

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