As Hurricane Laura approaches landfall, here's what to do if storm causes flooding

Hurricane Laura nears landfall along the Gulf coast, pushing storm surge onto the beach and into a neighborhood at the west end of Galveston island. Corpus Christi Caller Times

Hurricane Laura is expected to make landfall Wednesday night as a major hurricane, possibly a Category 5 storm.

Laura is forecast to bring 8 to 12 inches of rain with some areas seeing up to 18 inches from far southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas, according to the latest National Hurricane Center advisory.

The NWS encourages drivers to find alternative routes if flooded roadways are encountered.

Track flooding in your area

River water level: See a map of flooding in your area

What to do before a flood

According to the National Weather Service, before a flood you should:

Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel
Make barriers to stop water from entering the building
Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds

Hurricane Laura: Get the latest NHC updates

What to do during a flood

During a flood, the National Weather Service says not to wait for instructions to move and immediately go to higher ground.

If you’re preparing to evacuate:

Disconnect electrical appliances
Turn off main utility switches
Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
Bring in outdoor furniture
Move valuables and essentials to an upper floor

If you have to leave your home:

Do not walk through moving water
If you have to, walk where the water is not moving
Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you
Do not drive into flooded areas
If floodwater rises around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground to. avoid being swept away
Do not park your car near threatening situations like streams or rivers

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