Laura Intensifying into Major Hurricane; Prepare for Big Winds, Power Outages
These warnings were just issued by Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist, the National Hurricane Center, and City of Houston:
Hurricane warnings issued from San Luis Pass into Louisiana.
Landfall of a devastating hurricane likely between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass tomorrow night.
Rush to complete preparations to protect life and property.
Heed all evacuation recommendations.
Discussion
Laura – now a hurricane with sustained winds of 75mph – is continuing to intensify. The hurricane will likely rapidly intensify over the next 24-36 hours, right up to landfall along the upper TX coast. The National Hurricane Center predicts Laura will become a major hurricane with sustained winds over 110 mph by tomorrow night or early Thursday morning when it makes landfall somewhere between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass.
Track:
Everyone should be planning for the landfall of a very serious hurricane between Galveston Bay and Sabine Pass on the Louisiana border. Additional shifts in the track are possible that could bring the core of Laura into Galveston Bay and Harris/Galveston Counties.
The large wind field will result in strong winds likely 100-150 miles inland across east Texas.
Prepare for power outages extending well inland along with significant wind damage and extended outages.
Intensity:
Prepare for the impact of a major hurricane (cat 3 or higher). Once the inner core of Laura forms, significant intensification is likely, and conditions look very favorable for intensification.
Tropical Storm force winds will begin along the coast at around 8:00 pm Wednesday evening.
Advice from City, Lake Status
“Rainfall amounts in the Lake Houston Watershed over the next six days are expected to be 2 – 4 inches with isolated accumulation of 6 inches possible,” said Dave Martin. “Currently, the Lake Houston Watershed is dry and the projected impact to our area will be to our east with the largest possible impact expected along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River. Lake Houston is already down one foot from normal pool with the possibility of being lowered additionally, if necessary. Please make sure all property along the shoreline is secured in the event additional lowering is ordered.”
“Regardless of where this storm lands,” said Martin, “it is important all residents prepare themselves and have a plan. Hurricane Laura will likely be similar to Ike with severe wind impacts and power outages. The City of Houston has prepared resources to help you get ready for upcoming disasters and make sure you are prepared for this one. Please visit www.readyhoustontx.gov to learn more.
Actions
- Prepare for the landfall of a major hurricane along the SE TX coast
- Bring in anything in your yard, such as lawn furniture, that could become airborne.
- All preparations will be to be competed by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.
- Heed all evacuation orders.
For hurricane preparation tips from the National Weather Service, click here.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 8/24/2020 based on input from the National Hurricane Center and Jeff Lindner, Harris County Meteorologist.
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