Category 4 hurricane, Laura made landfall in Louisiana, US on Thursday, reported AFP. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) in an update at 1:00 am local time (0600 GMT) said, “Extremely dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Laura makes landfall near Cameron Louisiana. Catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds, and flash flooding occurring in portions of Louisiana.”

NHC had on Wednesday said Laura was packing winds of 140 miles per hour (220 kilometers per hour). But the latest update says that the maximum sustained winds were 150 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour).

Earlier, predictions stated that storm surges could penetrate up to 30 miles inland along parts of the coasts, and peak surge coupled with high tide could see water as high as 15 to 20 feet above normal levels. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott had told AFP, “The conditions of this storm are unsurvivable, and I urge southeast Texans to take advantage of these final few hours to evacuate.” 

The National Guard said it had mobilized more than 1,000 members in Texas to help with hurricane response, including 20 aircraft and more than 15 shelter teams. Coronavirus loomed over preparations, with Angela Jouett, director of evacuation operations in Lake Charles, saying authorities were ensuring that evacuees use hand sanitizer, get their temperatures taken and maintain a distance of six feet.