Charlotte Fire Search Teams Respond To Louisiana After Hurricane

CHARLOTTE, NC — Hours after Hurricane Laura made landfall along the Gulf Coast Thursday, Charlotte Fire Department search and rescue units traveled to Louisiana Thursday to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.

"Godspeed and prayers for a safe return," Charlotte Fire Department Chief Reginald Johnson said. "I'm confident Charlotte Fire NC USAR Taskforce 3 will meet the mission and assist those affected by Hurricane Laura."

Laura pummeled the Gulf Coast late Wednesday night, striking the Louisiana coastline as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 mph. By 8 a.m. Thursday, the storm was centered around 20 miles north of Fort Polk, Louisiana and had downshifted to a wind speed of 100 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Laura Forecast: Heavy Rain, High Winds Possible In NC

North Carolina is exepected to be spared the worst of Laura's path inland, however areas of the state could see periods of heavy rain, gusty winds and tornadoes this weekend, forecasters warn.