Homes, property and TV stations alike got hit hard by Hurricane Laura as it ripped into Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.
KPLC, the Lake Charles, La., station, lost its broadcast tower, which was knocked over after the Category 4 hurricane slammed into the city.
The top of the tower fell through the roof of the station into its studio, destroying the set. Staffers had previously evacuated, so no one was in the building at the time.
“KPLC’s tower fell right into our studio exactly where we would have been at going live covering Hurricane Laura,” tweeted KPLC sports anchor and reporter Taylor Verrico. “I am without words. SO THANKFUL we evacuated and no one was in that building.”
The station’s radar is down due to the collapse. No one is allowed in the building.
It’s not the only damage the station is dealing with. KPLC meteorologist Ben Terry lost his home in the storm after evacuating.
KPLC’s tower fell right into our studio exactly where we would have been at going live covering Hurricane Laura.
I am without words. SO THANKFUL we evacuated and no one was in that building. 😢 pic.twitter.com/IGXiqNG38Q
— Taylor Verrico (@TaylorVerrico) August 27, 2020
What our studio at KPLC looks like this morning following Hurricane Laura knocking over our tower..
I’m still in shock. But – I am SO thankful no one was in there. Praying for everyone affected by this disaster. 😢🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/4llFjIisaz
— Taylor Verrico (@TaylorVerrico) August 28, 2020