Exchanges See Minimal Damage as Hurricane Laura Makes Landfall

As Hurricane Laura made landfall early Thursday, Exchange locations in the path of the storm are faring well.

All Exchanges in the storm’s path have full accountability of its associates and most locations have not reported any damage. The lone exception is at Fort Polk, where some structural and water damage has occurred. All Fort Polk Exchange operations are without power except the Express, which is running on a generator.

“This could have been much worse based on earlier predictions of the storm’s strength,” said Exchange Central Region SVP Jesse Martinez. “Fortunately, everyone is safe and, because of planning, store shelves are stocked with emergency items.”

Other Exchange locations in Louisiana and Arkansas could still be affected by strong wind and heavy rain as the hurricane makes its way further inland.

“Exchange teams from every directorate are standing by to provide additional supplies or fulfill any emergency requests,” Martinez said.