Hurricane Marco and tropical storm Laura have led to strong winds, which hit Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic on Sunday. Heavy rain poured down the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.
Marco is expected to hit the US state on Monday, while Laura arrives in Texas on Thursday.
Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince was flooded after storm Laura hit Sunday. Photo: Dieu Nalio Chery / AP Photo
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Historical storm
Meteorologists, however, do not rule out that Laura can change route east. In that case, the storm will hit Louisiana, which could lead to a unique and very dangerous weather phenomenon.
It will be the first time in history that a state is hit by two hurricanes at the same time, writes BBC. The consequences can be enormous.
“We have never seen anything like it, two hurricanes can potentially hit only miles apart in 48 hours,” meteorologist Benjamin Schott, head of the National Weather Service in Louisiana, told AP News
Worst since 2005
Several US meteorologists are now warning of massive floods, as well as strong winds. The devastation may be the worst since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005. At that time, 1,800 lives were lost.
Large parts of New Orleans were flooded when Hurricane Katrina hit the city in 2005. Photo: David J. Phillip / AP Photo
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“We know Marco will create shock waves, and we know that the water level will hardly drop before Laura hits,” warns Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.
US President Donald Trump has declared disaster in Louisiana, and orders federal forces to help in the fight against the forces of nature. Similar measures have already been implemented in Puerto Rico.
Several died
Laura claimed at least three lives in the Dominican Republic, and the storm has left more than a million people without power. Among the dead was a seven-year-old boy who, along with his mother, lost his life when their house collapsed.
The storm claimed five lives in Haiti. Photo: Dieu Nalio Chery / AP Photo
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Five deaths have been reported in Haiti, including a ten-year-old girl. The capital Port-au-Prince is heavily flooded.
Marco increased in strength on Sunday, with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. Laura is also expected to increase in strength, and will probably be classified as a hurricane by Wednesday. So far, the tropical storm is heading for Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States.
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