‘Houses that are totally gone’: 4 dead as Tropical Storm Laura exits Louisiana, leaving wake of destruction

‘Houses that are totally gone’: 4 dead as Tropical Storm Laura exits Louisiana, leaving wake of destruction

One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S. pounded the Gulf Coast with wind and rain early Thursday morning, but Laura rapidly weakened and was downgraded to a tropical storm by afternoon.

One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S. pounded the Gulf Coast with wind and rain early Thursday morning, but Laura rapidly weakened and was downgraded to a tropical storm by afternoon.

Hurricane Laura captured in stunning pictures from space

Hurricane Laura captured in stunning pictures from space

NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy has photographed Hurricane Laura from his vantage point on the International Space Station.

NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy has photographed Hurricane Laura from his vantage point on the International Space Station.

Heat, humidity back Thursday; chance for scattered afternoon thunderstorms
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Heat, humidity back Thursday; chance for scattered afternoon thunderstorms

Hot and humid with the chance for afternoon thunderstorms Thursday. Look out for the remnants of Hurricane Laura to bring rain and storms our way over the weekend.

Hot and humid with the chance for afternoon thunderstorms Thursday. Look out for the remnants of Hurricane Laura to bring rain and storms our way over the weekend.

Hurricane Laura: Wind, rain pummel coasts of Louisiana, Texas as ferocious storm makes landfall

Hurricane Laura: Wind, rain pummel coasts of Louisiana, Texas as ferocious storm makes landfall

The storm's power is raising fears of a 20-foot storm surge that forecasters say would be “unsurvivable” and capable of sinking entire communities on the Texas and Louisiana coast.

The storm's power is raising fears of a 20-foot storm surge that forecasters say would be “unsurvivable” and capable of sinking entire communities on the Texas and Louisiana coast.

All hands on deck: Linemen, Cajun Navy volunteers prepare to assist as Hurricane Laura bears down

All hands on deck: Linemen, Cajun Navy volunteers prepare to assist as Hurricane Laura bears down

Hundreds of volunteers, from linemen to boat crews to chainsaw crews, were assisting local governments and first responders to prepare to provide relief in the wake of the hurricane’s destruction.

Hundreds of volunteers, from linemen to boat crews to chainsaw crews, were assisting local governments and first responders to prepare to provide relief in the wake of the hurricane’s destruction.