Texas and Louisiana residents should brace for a Category 4 hurricane at this point.

Hurricane Laura is intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) now estimates landfall as a Category 4 storm. The NHC is urging residents to evacuate or complete their preparations as soon as possible before they are dealing with sustained winds of 130–156 miles per hour.

Here are the 10 AM CDT Key Messages for #Laura, expected to become a category 4 hurricane before landfall. Conditions will rapidly deteriorate along the coast in a few hours. Preparations to protect life and property need to be completed. pic.twitter.com/MGXsPkWVMI

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 26, 2020

Coastal areas can expect to see a dangerous storm surge along the Louisiana-Texas border and for a wide swath on either side in both states.

It is currently estimated to possibly reach as far as 30 miles inland once the hurricane hits the shore.

Unsurvivable storm surge with large and destructive waves will cause catastrophic damage from Sea Rim State Park, Texas, to Intracoastal City, Louisiana, including Calcasieu and Sabine Lakes. This surge could penetrate up to 30 miles inland from the immediate coastline. #Laura pic.twitter.com/bV4jzT3Chd

— National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) August 26, 2020

Local waterways and low-lying roads in the storm's path will see flash flooding, so residents who do not evacuate should be prepared to shelter in place in a safe location until the storm passes. 

**The infographics in this article are courtesy of the National Hurricane Center.

For more information about Hurricane Laura's projected path, follow along with the National Hurricane Center's Twitter feed's constant updates. You can also watch the NHC Facebook page and official website.

Our thoughts are with everyone in the storm's path and those of you with loved ones in the area. Stay safe, everyone!