In the last hour, the National Hurricane Center upgraded Laura to a Category 3 storm.
The storm system sped up overnight and is expected to continue growing through the day. Near north Leeville, Louisiana the storm surge is already covering some roadways.
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that the biggest threat is to unharvested rice, sugarcane, and cotton. Plus, shipping ports and oil rigs are on alert as well.
“That system, unlike Marco before it, has a wide open path to intensification, favorable atmospheric conditions, and nothing really standing in its way from becoming a stronger hurricane, possibly even a major hurricane,” Rippey states.
Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall near the Texas Louisiana border, although it could track farther west toward the upper Texas coastline.
The National Hurricane Center tweeted, “Widespread flash flooding along small streams, urban areas, and roadways is expected this afternoon into Thursday from far eastern Texas, across Louisiana, and Arkansas.”