May 13, 2025

EF-1 Tornado Strikes Shreveport Area, Causing Damage

News Summary

An EF-1 tornado hit southwest Caddo Parish, causing significant destruction along a 12.84-mile path. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The tornado uprooted trees and impacted residential areas, particularly at the intersection of Adams and Sebastian Roads. Local authorities responded to multiple incidents, including families trapped in their homes. Utility outages affected over 11,000 residents, while emergency crews faced challenges in cleanup efforts due to severe weather conditions, highlighting the dangers associated with such storms.

Shreveport, Louisiana – An EF-1 tornado struck southwest Caddo Parish on May 6, 2025, following a series of severe storms, causing significant damage but leaving residents uninjured. National Weather Service (NWS) crews surveyed the affected areas on May 7 and reported maximum wind speeds reaching 105 mph.

The tornado made landfall over Providence Road, Adams Road, and Sebastian Road, following a path approximately 12.84 miles long through heavily wooded regions. Trees were uprooted and snapped along the tornado’s trajectory, with numerous large trees damaging roofs and property as they fell. The worst devastation was documented at the intersection of Adams and Sebastian Roads, where multiple trees crashed onto homes.

In addition to the direct impacts of the tornado, extensive tree damage occurred on Woolworth Road, particularly near the entrance to the Caddo Parish landfill, which disrupted the surrounding area of Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle School. One family required assistance after becoming trapped inside their home on LaLaurie Lane in Keithville due to falling trees, underlining the storm’s potential hazards.

The severe weather event struck around 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, prompting local authorities to issue warnings advising residents to seek shelter. Afterward, approximately 11,483 residents were reported without power across Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto parishes as a result of the storm. Heavy rains accompanied the tornado, causing widespread street flooding, with reports indicating that some vehicles were partially submerged on various streets throughout Shreveport.

Alongside the tornado, the storm produced significant hail in the region, compounding the challenges faced by both residents and emergency crews. Caddo Fire District 4 Chief Joshua Gamble emphasized the dangers faced by crews responding to the aftermath of the storm. Residents were encouraged to avoid heavily damaged areas to facilitate cleanup and recovery efforts.

In the wake of the storm, NWS crews continued to assess the extent of the damage throughout the following day, collecting crucial data to understand better the impact of the tornado and surrounding weather conditions. Local authorities also provided safety instructions for residents using generators, warning about the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, and stressing the importance of safe generator operation for those still without electricity.

The severe weather that rolled through the region serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with sudden storms. While recovery efforts are underway, the community is encouraged to work together as they navigate the aftermath and rebuild.