Data source: CPC US Unified Precipitation data provided by the NOAA/OAR/ESRL PS processed by JBA Risk Management The highest total rainfall recorded on 27 August 2020 ranged from 169.9 – 263.7mm (6.6-10.3 inches) (Table 1 and Figure 1).įigure 1: (top) Total rainfall (mm) over continental US for 27 August 2020, (middle) 28 August 2020 and (bottom) 29 August 2020. Rainfall and River flowsĭuring Hurricane Laura, rainfall concentrated near the border between Louisiana and Texas state. As Laura changed direction and made landfall 40 miles further east than originally forecasted, reports suggest that this helped reduce the storm surge seen in more populated areas like Cameron and Lake Charles (, 2020). Additionally, initial forecasts were based on Hurricane Laura making landfall at the mouth of the Sabine River. Calcasieu Pass in Cameron recorded at 2.7m (8.9 feet) at the height of the hurricane (Yale Climate Connections, 2020).Įarly explanations about the reduced surge suggest that the predominant wind direction from the storm (east to west) failed to push water up the Calcasieu River basin and therefore reduced the level of inland flooding experienced in urban areas like Lake Charles (NASA Earth Observatory, 2020). One US Army Corps of Engineers gauge along the Mermentau river measured a peak inundation of 3.9-4.5m (13-15 feet) above dry ground during the height of Hurricane Laura’s passing (Weather Channel, 2020). Leading up to landfall, Hurricane Laura was forecasted to have an “unsurvivable” storm surge by the National Hurricane Centre, with sustained windspeeds of 150 mph and a peak surge forecast of 4.5-6m (15-20 feet) in places (BBC, 2020a NHC, 2020).įortunately, observed storm surge levels were not as great as forecasted, with a surge ranging between 2.7-4.5m (9-15 feet) (NASA Earth Observatory, 2020). Additionally, forecasts showed Hurricane Laura impacting many of the same locations that were struck by Tropical Storm Marco’s heavy rainfall, with existing wet conditions causing concern about the risks of further storm surge and inland flooding. Tropical depression Marco made landfall on Tuesday 25 August and was closely followed by Hurricane Laura on Thursday 27 August.Ĭlassified as a Category 4 hurricane when it hit Louisiana, Laura was the strongest storm to have made landfall in the state in more than a century, surpassing record wind speeds previously observed during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 (WSJ, 2020). Late August saw two tropical cyclones impact the US Gulf Coast in quick succession. All updates will also give you the option to unsubscribe. If you would like to unsubscribe at any time please contact us at with the subject line Opt-out or call JBA Risk Management Marketing on 01756 799919. We will not share your data with any third party. We will securely store the data that you share.
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