Hurricane Laura, now a dangerous category 4 storm, is expected to bring catastrophic storm surge and extreme winds to the northwest Gulf Coast when it makes landfall overnight. Laura has max winds at 145 mph and is moving west-northwest at 15 mph.It is expected to make landfall early Thursday near the Texas-Louisiana state line.The National Hurricane Center warns storm surge from Hurricane Laura could reach “unsurvivable” 20 feet in parts of Texas and Louisiana.Hurricane Laura is 155 miles south-southeast of Lake Charles. On the forecast track, the center of Laura will move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. The hurricane should approach the upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts on Wednesday evening and move inland near those areas Wednesday night or Thursday morning.Tropical-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles.It is expected to be the first major hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.The National Hurricane Center says only a few hours remain to protect life and property. NHC warns of catastrophic storm surge, extreme winds and flashflooding along the northwest Gulf Coast. On the forecast track, the center of Laura will move across the northwestern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday. The hurricane should approach the upper Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts on Wednesday evening and move inland near those areas Wednesday night or Thursday morning.Tropical-force winds extend outward up to 175 miles. It is expected to be the first major hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for several parishes in southeast Louisiana, including Terrebonne, Lafourche, lower Plaquemines and lower Jefferson.A Hurricane Watch is in effect from south of Port Bolivar to San Luis Pass, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from San Luis Pass, Texas to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Storm surge potential:From Morgan City to the mouth of the Mississippi River- 4-6 ftMouth of the Mississippi River to Ocean Springs, MS including Lake Borgne, Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas- 2-4 ft. 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A watch means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are possible in the “watch area.” A watch is issued up to 48 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.A warning is issued when a tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected in the “warning area.” A warning is issued up to 36 hours in advance of the onset of tropical storm-force winds.Hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm-force. Watches and warnings are issued in advance of the onset of tropical storm force winds (39-73 mph).How we rate hurricanesThe Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained winds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Category 3 and above are considered major hurricanes, but precautions should still be taken for Category 1 and 2 storms. NOAA and Weather.gov put together the following information that explains how each storm category is defined and what type of damage is expected.Tropical DepressionA tropical depression is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds (one-minute average) of 38 mph or less.Tropical StormA tropical storm is a tropical cyclone that has maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 39-73 mph.Category 1: Sustained winds of 74-95 mphVery dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roofs, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.Category 2: 96-110 mphExtremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.Category 3: 111-129 mph (Major Hurricane)Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.Category 4: 130-156 mph (Major Hurricane)Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.Category 5: 157 mph or higher (Major Hurricane)Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.