Hurricane Laura Path
Hurricane Laura formed on August 20, 2020, as a tropical storm in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm quickly strengthened and became a hurricane on August 25 as it approached the Gulf Coast.
Laura made landfall near Cameron, Louisiana on August 27. The storm then continued northeast, moving through Louisiana, Arkansas, and into the mid-Mississippi Valley before dissipating on August 30.
Hurricane Laura Category
Hurricane Laura was a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. It was one of the strongest hurricanes to hit Louisiana and the Gulf Coast on record. The storm also produced a significant storm surge, with some areas experiencing water levels up to 15 feet above normal.
Damage by Laura
Hurricane Laura caused significant damage and destruction along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana and Texas. The storm surge caused widespread flooding in coastal areas, and high winds damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
In Louisiana, the storm damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes and businesses, and many communities were left without power or water for weeks. The storm also caused extensive damage to the state’s agricultural industry, with losses estimated at $1.6 billion.
In Texas, the storm caused significant damage to homes and businesses, particularly in the cities of Beaumont and Port Arthur. The storm also caused the shutdown of several refineries and chemical plants, leading to the release of hazardous chemicals and pollutants.
Overall, Hurricane Laura caused an estimated $19 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in United States history. The storm also claimed at least 42 lives, including 25 in Louisiana and 10 in Texas.
Hurricane Ian (23 Sept 2022 – 30 Sept 2022)
