Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Cause Damage in ArkLaTex

Aftermath of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in ArkLaTex.

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News Summary

Early Tuesday, residents in Shreveport and surrounding areas faced severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, leading to significant damage and power outages. The National Weather Service issued warnings as the storms ripped through with high winds and flying debris, affecting homes and causing utility outages for thousands. Reports of tornado touchdowns were confirmed, and officials urged residents to take safety precautions as the threat of severe weather continued throughout the day.

Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes Cause Damage and Power Outages Across ArkLaTex

In a dramatic turn of events, residents of Shreveport and surrounding areas were jolted awake early Tuesday morning as severe thunderstorms rolled through the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) made an early morning announcement around 9 a.m. that a storm capable of causing a tornado was located over Blanchard, just eight miles northwest of Shreveport. Yikes!

The Tornado Warning

Officials quickly issued a tornado warning, which remained in effect until 9:30 a.m. for west-central Caddo Parish. According to forecasts, this intimidating storm was expected to unleash flying debris and could potentially damage or destroy mobile homes, roofs, windows, and even vehicles. Residents were strongly encouraged to move to a safer area, specifically to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, staying away from windows.

Storms Impacting the Region

As the day unfolded, it was clear that the severe weather wasn’t just a minor inconvenience. Damaging winds and fierce storms were making their presence known, with at least two confirmed EF-1 tornadoes making tracks across Northern Caddo Parish. These storms began affecting the ArkLaTex area just before 4:30 a.m., and it rapidly turned into a morning of chaos.

Caddo Parish Tornado Touchdown

By 9 a.m., a tornado was confirmed to have touched down near Blanchard. In the hours that followed, reports flowed in showing downed utility lines, toppled trees, and traffic accidents. In one heart-wrenching incident, a tree fell on a woman’s house in Blanchard. Although her home and her husband’s parked car were badly damaged, it was fortunate that there were no injuries reported.

Areas Affected Beyond Shreveport

But the destruction didn’t stop there. Roofs were blown off homes in both Minden, Louisiana, and DeKalb, Texas. Structures in New Boston, Texas also suffered damage, and residents in Camp County reported overturned trailers and injuries at an RV park. The Woodland Harbor area faced significant damage with multiple homes and trees gone down in the storms.

Power Outages Everywhere

Strong winds during the storm led to widespread power outages across the region. At the peak of the storm, approximately 29,000 customers found themselves in the dark as power was knocked out across the ArkLaTex, particularly in areas of Texas. Marshall and Longview were hit especially hard with notable outages. By 12:30 p.m., around 22,000 customers were still without power, and the utility company, SWEPCO, began estimating power restoration could commence around 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in some areas.

Continued Threats and Precautions

A tornado warning continued for south Bossier Parish until 10 a.m., and at 9:23 a.m., another tornado-producing storm was reported near Bossier City, racing eastward at 50 mph. A severe thunderstorm warning was also issued, set to last through 10:15 a.m. Wind gusts within this intense storm surged to as high as 60 mph!

Forecast for the Day

As if that wasn’t enough, the forecast predicted additional showers and thunderstorms from noon to 3 p.m., with the possibility of severe storms lingering. The temperature was expected to peak around 73 degrees, but with a 100% chance of precipitation and rain totals estimated between a quarter and half an inch, staying indoors seemed like the best option.

City Responses

In light of the situation, the City of Minden announced a planned city-wide power outage beginning at 2:00 p.m. due to storm damage, anticipating that this outage would last about an hour. On a day filled with uncertainty, officials and residents alike were bracing for more potential storms while hoping for a swift return to normalcy.

As the ArkLaTex continues to recover from the damage, communities are pulling together, adhering to safety measures, and looking out for one another in these challenging times.