HOUSTON (CW 39) — The National Hurricane Center is using the rare language of “unsurvivable storm surge” while describing Laura’s potential impact on the Texas-Louisiana coast noting waves will cause catastrophic damage.

NHC expects the worst of the storm surge to happen from Sea Rim State Park, Texas, to Intracoastal
City, Louisiana — which would include Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes. Meteorologists warn the surge could reach up to 30 miles inland from the coast.

NWS: Hurricane Laura is a Category 4 Major hurricane

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the right of the landfall location, according to NHC.

A storm surge warning has been issued for that area which signifies a danger of life-threatening water.

Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances, according to NHC.