News Summary
An EF-1 tornado caused significant damage in Caddo Parish, affecting local schools but thankfully resulting in no injuries.
Caddo Parish Experiences EF-1 Tornado; No Injuries Reported
Shreveport, LA – An EF-1 tornado wreaked havoc in southwest Caddo Parish on May 6, causing substantial damage to property but miraculously resulting in no reported injuries. The tornado, which touched down briefly after 3:40 p.m., exhibited maximum winds of 105 mph and traveled a path length of approximately 12.84 miles.
In the aftermath of the storm, extensive damage was reported along the tornado’s route, particularly on Providence Road, Adams Road, and Sebastian Road. Large trees were uprooted and snapped, with some trees landing on residential homes. In one instance in Keithville, a tree fell on a home on LaLaurie Lane, temporarily trapping a family inside, although they escaped without major injuries.
Torrential rain and flash flooding accompanied the storm, leading to widespread concerns about unsafe street conditions. Residents noted reports of hail following the tornado, further complicating the weather activity in the region. Community efforts to clear the damage began on May 7, showcasing the resilience and support among neighbors as they worked to restore their properties.
Tornado’s Path and Impact
The tornado’s impact extended to several prominent locations in the area. It moved through regions close to Providence Baptist Church, where significant tree damage was noted, particularly affecting the church cemetery. Additional damage was recorded on Adams and Sebastian Roads, continuing onto Highway 169 (Greenwood Springridge Road) and Woolworth Road.
As the tornado progressed into the Newcastle subdivision of Southwest Shreveport, it continued to snap trees, with homes on Lytham Drive and North Heatherstone Drive feeling the brunt of the storm. In Shreveport itself, damage was primarily observed as large limbs were snapped along numerous streets, including Brandon Drive, Rosedown Place, and Twelve Oaks Drive.
Fortunately, Southwood High School reported no significant damage related to the tornado, although a large pine tree fell on a fence and damaged two vehicles at a nearby Dollar General store. The event prompted local emergency services to activate response measures, with Caddo Fire District 4 assisting residents during dangerous conditions.
Safety Measures and Continued Assessment
As families began cleanup efforts, local officials advised residents to adhere to safety measures, especially regarding the use of generators during power outages. Residents were reminded to keep generators away from homes to prevent risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur with improper use.
The National Weather Service (NWS) crews are engaged in ongoing assessments of the tornado’s damage, with additional surveys scheduled as the situation evolves. In a separate incident, another EF-1 tornado was confirmed in Northern Caddo Parish, where peak winds reached 93 mph, indicating that the severe weather activity was widespread across the region.
Remote and damaged areas have been designated for restricted access to allow debris removal teams to operate safely and efficiently. The success of these efforts is vital to ensure the continued safety and recovery of Caddo Parish as residents look to restore normalcy in the days ahead.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Possible Tornado Damage Reported in Caddo Parish
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Shreveport Caddo Tornado Storm Rain Damage
- KTAL News: Caddo Parish EF-1 Tornado Downed Trees, Flooding, Heavy Damage
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
