https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/08/27/laura-thrashes-louisiana-but-damage-is-less-than-predicted/ > By MELINDA DESLATTE, STACEY PLAISANCE and GERALD HERBERT > LAKE CHARLES, La. (AP) — One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S., Laura barreled across Louisiana on Thursday, shearing off roofs, killing a least six people and maintaining ferocious strength while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland.