Hurricane Laura was the most powerful storm to ever hit Louisiana, with sustained winds at the coast in excess of 150 mph, hurricane-force winds all the way to Shreveport, La., and tidal surges inland measuring 17 ft., according to Louisiana commissioner of agriculture and forestry Dr. Mike Strain.
The Louisiana State University AgCenter said the effects on agriculture appear to be less destructive than most people feared before Hurricane Laura struck. Still, rice, sugarcane, poultry and cattle producers are among those picking up the pieces after the storm.
A complete assessment will take time, but Strain said that he has been communicating with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, and reconnaissance work is already underway to assess damage.
