Laura has rapidly intensified into a Category 4 as it approaches landfall.

Laura is centered about 200 miles south-southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana. It’s tracking to the northwest at 16 mph.

The hurricane is now a Category 4 with 140 mph winds. Some slight additional strengthening is possible through this afternoon.

Laura’s maximum sustained winds jumped from 75 mph to 140 mph in the 24 hours ending 1 p.m. CDT Wednesday. That increase in maximum sustained winds easily meets the definition of rapid intensification in a hurricane.

Doppler radar shows that bands of rain and gusty winds are now beginning to pivot into the northwest Gulf Coast.

A wind gust to 107 mph was reported at a buoy near the center of Laura early Wednesday morning.

Hurricane Laura Projected Path