As of Friday morning, data from a NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicates that Tropical Depression Thirteen has strengthened and is now Tropical Storm Laura.
This storm has maximum sustained winds of around 45 mph (75 km/h).
The aircraft also found that the center of Laura is located south of the previously estimated position. These changes will be reflected in the track and intensity forecasts with the upcoming advisory that will be issued at 10am CST.
We now have Tropical Storm #Laura as #TD13 was upgraded this morning by @NHC_Atlantic
— Joseph Neubauer (@JNeubauerWx) August 21, 2020
Track and intensity haven't changed. Large amounts of uncertainty across the Eastern Gulf of Mexico heading into Tuesday & Wednesday. Continued to stay prepared!#flwx #alwx pic.twitter.com/gFsXQQKRix