News

Hurricane Laura makes landfall at 1 a.m. near Cameron, La. with 150 mph winds

At 1 am CDT, Hurricane Laura has made landfall in Southwestern Louisiana near Cameron as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds at 150 mph (938 mb).

NHC 10 p.m. update on Hurricane Laura - max sustained winds at 150 mph

The 10 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center: Maximum sustained winds are near 150 mph with higher gusts. No significant change in strength is likely before landfall, which is expected just east of the Texas/Louisiana state line in a few hours as a Category 4 storm. 1.

BREAKING: I-10 east from Orange to Louisiana is now closed

From TXDOT and Louisiana DOTD: If you are trying to travel to or from Louisiana, please see the alternate routes in the graphic posted. http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=24171

NHC 7 p.m. update: Laura now with winds at 150 mph

7PM: Hurricane Laura continues to strengthen as it approaches land, now with maximum wind speeds of 150 mph. It remains on track to make landfall later this evening near the TX/LA border. 

4 p.m. Hurricane Laura Update

At 4:00 PM CDT (2100 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Laura was located near latitude 27.9 North, longitude 92.8 West. Laura is moving toward the northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h). A turn toward the north-northwest and north is expected tonight, and a northward motion should continue on Thursday.

Beaumont releases latest COVID-19 data

One new case was reported by the Beaumont Health Department Wednesday. Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SEARAC.COM) reported today Wednesday Aug. 26 COVID-19 patients in Jefferson County hospitals were down to 15 in ICU and 47 in general hospital beds.

Beaumont emergency operations to cease

Beaumont’s emergency operations will cease once winds reach 35 mph, according to BPD Officer Haley Morrow.  Wind speeds are predicted to exceed 100 mph, meaning the aforementioned scenario is quite likely. As of 4:30 p.m.

Prepare for bridge closures

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), with the assistance of the Texas Department of Transportation, will close the Rainbow and Veterans Bridges when sustained wind speeds reach 44 mph, reports DPS Sgt. Stephanie Davis.

Port Arthur police, fire departments will not be able to respond during hurricane

The Port Arthur Police Department issued a statement Aug. 26 warning Port Arthur residents that police and fire units will not be able to respond to calls at the height of Hurricane Laura.

4 p.m. update: Hurricane Laura landfall with 150-plus mph winds tonight

At 4:00 PM CDT (2100 UTC), the eye of Hurricane Laura was located near latitude 27.9 North, longitude 92.8 West. Laura is moving toward the northwest near 15 mph (24 km/h). A turn toward the north-northwest and north is expected tonight, and a northward motion should continue on Thursday.