Aug 27, 2020
Tropical Storm Laura moved ashore from the Gulf of Mexico near Cameron, LA, around 1200 AM CST on August 27, 2020 with 150 mph sustained winds! This part of the state had never experienced such a powerful (Category 4) hurricane. Measured gusts exceeded 130 mph in Lake Charles, LA. Not only was there widespread structural damage, a television tower was destroyed and the WSR-88D (Doppler Weather Radar) at the local National Weather Service (NWS) office was obliterated. Staff at the office was evac
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 917131). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Desha County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.