The storm surge inundated a stretch of the state’s western coast, and its winds shredded many communities, particularly in and around Lake Charles, a city of roughly 78,000 people near the Texas border. Nearly 12,000 people were being sheltered in 36 New Orleans hotels, state officials said. Sally, the 18th named storm of the season, is approaching the Gulf Coast during what has already been a punishing year. The region has been affected by the coronavirus, tropical storms, tornadoes, floods and a summer of demonstrations against police brutality and racism. And it comes as climate change is making hurricanes more dangerous in many ways, including increased rainfall and more powerful storm surge.

Source: New York Times September 14, 2020 16:54 UTC