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Severe Thunderstorm and Hailstorm Hits Blanchard, Louisiana

Street in Blanchard, Louisiana covered in hail after a thunderstorm

News Summary

Blanchard, Louisiana experienced a severe thunderstorm accompanied by a hailstorm on March 15, 2025. Hail sizes reported varied from nickel to golf ball-sized, and the storm caused over 1,800 power outages in the area. The National Weather Service warned of possible tornadoes, creating tense conditions among residents. The aftermath revealed widespread damage across the region, with recovery efforts currently underway as teams work to restore power and clear debris.

Blanchard, Louisiana Hit by Severe Thunderstorm and Hailstorm

The small town of Blanchard, Louisiana faced quite the unexpected surprise on Saturday, March 15, 2025, as a severe thunderstorm swept through the area, leaving residents in awe—and not in a good way. As if the booming thunder wasn’t enough, the storm delivered a spectacular hailstorm that had everyone talking.

A Hail of a Storm

Residents of Blanchard reported hail sizes that varied from nickel to quarter-sized, and some social media accounts even mentioned hail as big as nearly golf ball-sized chunks. Can you imagine stepping outside to find your yard transformed into a snowy wonderland of ice? One local resident, Felecia Patton, shared a photo that showed her yard completely covered in hail, giving people a glimpse of just how wild the weather really got!

As the storm approached, the atmosphere grew tense. Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued, and Caddo Parish issued a second alert early in the morning, reminding residents to stay vigilant. The National Weather Service in Shreveport anticipated a 70% chance of rain, with storms expected to continue until early afternoon.

Power Outages Rock the Region

But the hail wasn’t the only trouble this storm brought along. As winds picked up dangerously high, Power Company SWEPCO reported over 1,800 power outages in just the Blanchard area alone. Nearby towns such as Karnack, Texas, and Benton and Shreveport, Louisiana also faced interruptions in their electricity supply, leaving many scrambling in the dark. As the storm progressed, the situation appeared more dire, leading to a widespread loss of power. A staggering 15,800 residents across Caddo and Bossier, along with neighboring areas, found themselves without electricity.

Wind and Tornado Warnings

As if hail and power outages weren’t enough, the storm also aroused fears of possible tornadoes. With intense winds recorded at around 93 mph, some residents took precautions by seeking shelter in safe areas of their homes, like hallways. The conditions prompted a tornado watch that lasted until around 1 p.m., further heightening anxiety among the folks of Blanchard.

Widespread Damage and Recovery Efforts

The aftermath was no less shocking, as many areas experienced severe weather-related damage, including downed trees, power lines, and scattered debris. Local authorities anticipated difficulties in restoring power due to the extensive damage caused by the storm. It’s clear that this was no ordinary spring storm!

In the following days, reports trickled in from other parts of the Ark-La-Tex, revealing similar weather woes, including instances of golf ball-sized hail. To top it all off, at least two confirmed EF-1 tornadoes were reported in Caddo Parish, a reminder of just how powerful Mother Nature can be when she unleashes her fury.

Looking Ahead

As efforts to restore power began, restoration teams faced the grueling task of cleaning up what the storm left behind. Residents were informed that power restoration would hopefully be completed by around 10 p.m., though some areas may experience delays due to ongoing damage cleanup.

As we all know, weather can be unpredictable, but one thing is for sure: everyone in Blanchard will be keeping a close eye on the skies for the foreseeable future. Stay safe and stay prepared, folks!