Laura Weakens To Tropical Depression As Flood Risk Continues | WeatherBug
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Laura Weakens To Tropical Depression As Flood Risk Continues

August 28, 2020
UPDATED By WeatherBug Meteorologists
After making landfall early Thursday as a major Category 4 hurricane, Laura has weakened to a tropical depression, with flooding downpours and power-outage-producing winds the primary threats. 

Laura’s landfall occurred near Cameron, La., just after midnight local time Thursday, producing catastrophic damage and “unsurvivable” storm surge along the southwestern Louisiana coastline.

As of 10 p.m. CDT, Tropical Depression Laura was located near 35.1 N, 92.0 W, or about 30 miles north-northeast of Little Rock, Ark. Laura is a tropical depression with winds of 35 mph. The system is moving to the north-northeast at 15 mph with a minimum central pressure of 993 mb, or 29.33 inches of mercury.
 
Laura will continue to move northward through Arkansas tonight and into the Mid-Mississippi Valley on Friday.

Even so, it will produce a deluge of rain, triggering extensive flooding. Rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are possible, with higher amounts up to 15 inches. Inland Flash Flood Watches and Warnings extend across  southern and eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, western Tennessee, southeastern Missouri, and western Kentucky.

High winds will knock down trees and powerlines, causing widespread power outages. Quick-developing and fast-moving tornadoes will be possible in Laura squalls throughout the day, so be prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is posted.

A Tornado Watch is in effect across central and northern. This includes western Tennessee and the Missorui Boothell. 

Residents in Laura’s path should be careful about venturing out after the storm passes. Downed powerlines present electrocution hazards and floodwater could contain debris, toxic chemicals, dangerous bacteria, poisonous snakes, and crocodiles.