Hurricane Laura moves ashore in southwestern Louisiana near Texas

DELCAMBRE, La. - Laura roared ashore over southwestern Louisiana near the Texas border as a ferocious Category 4 hurricane late Wednesday, swamping a low-lying coast with ocean water that forecasters said could be 20 feet deep and unsurvivable.

Winds gusted above hurricane force to 110 mph (177 kph) while Laura's northern eyewall moved onshore over Cameron Parish, the National Hurricane Center said, and forecasters said even stronger winds were possible that could rip apart buildings, level trees and toss vehicles like toys.

Authorities implored coastal residents of Texas and Louisiana to evacuate, but not everyone did before howling winds began buffeting trees back and forth in an area that was devastated by Rita in 2005.

https://www.startribune.com/laura-gains-strength-could-bring-unsurvivable-storm-surge/572230672/