A mandatory evacuation order has been called for Calcasieu Parish ahead of Hurricane Laura’s expected landfall early Thursday morning.
Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter was unequivocal in his message that anyone who has the means of doing so needs to get out of the area as soon as possible.
“I believe the meteorologists used the words or the phrase get out of dodge, and that is what we are telling people to do,” says Hunter.
Those who lack the means to evacuate themselves are being directed to Burton Coliseum via city busses to be transported to a safe area. Due to COVID complications, officials aren’t sure where that is yet.
Laura is projected to be a category three when it makes landfall near the Texas-Louisiana line. Hunter warned it is highly likely the area will see severe damage to critical infrastructure.
“There is a strong likelihood that there will be extended periods of time, probably days, without power. Interruptions to water and wastewater services,” said Hunter.
An estimated 70 percent of areas south of I-10 in the region are expected to flood.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso has ordered a full evacuation of the jail.
“If we are going to take them out of harm’s way that this should be a clue to you that we are recommending that you get out of our parish,” says Mancuso.
Mancuso says until the storm passes there will be a zero-tolerance policy on illegal behavior, and those arrested will have to ride out the storm and subsequent days in the jail.
The region hasn’t seen a storm like this since Rita in 2005, and Mancuso says that’s led some to forget important lessons from the past. He asks residents not to take any chances.
“When we say mandatory evacuation we are not going to come physically remove you from your house but there is going to be a point where we can not come and help you,” says Mancuso.
Storm surge in Cameron and Calcasieu is projected to reach 15 feet and penetrate up to 30 miles inland.
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