News Summary
An EF-1 tornado touched down in southwest Caddo Parish on May 6, 2023, causing significant damage to properties and uprooting trees. The tornado, with winds reaching 105 mph, left many residents without power while crews from the National Weather Service conducted damage assessments. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the storm affected around 67 homes in the Keithville area. Community efforts for cleanup and recovery are ongoing as local authorities urge vigilance amid potential further storms.
Caddo Parish
An EF-1 tornado touched down in southwest Caddo Parish on May 6, 2023, causing extensive damage to properties, uprooting trees, and leaving residents without power. The tornado, with estimated winds of approximately 105 miles per hour, struck around 3:40 p.m. while severe storms swept through the area, leading to widespread street flooding due to torrential rains and hail.
Crews from the National Weather Service (NWS) conducted damage assessments on May 7 to survey the affected areas, primarily focusing on locations over Providence Road, Adams Road, and Sebastian Road. The most significant destruction involved large trees that were either snapped or uprooted, with some trees falling onto residential properties.
Despite the extensive damages reported, no injuries were documented, although one incident involved a tree crashing onto a home on LaLaurie Lane in Keithville, which trapped a family inside. Fortunately, the family escaped without serious injuries.
Damage Reports and Ongoing Efforts
The tornado caused considerable destruction along Woolworth Road, particularly near the entrance to the Caddo Parish landfill and Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle School. In response to the storm, the Caddo Fire District 4 dispatched teams to the LaLaurie Lane site to assist with the situation. The storm uprooted many trees, blocking driveways and streets, leading to some cars being crushed.
As of now, reports indicated that approximately 67 homes in the Keithville area were without power. In light of the situation, local officials have urged residents to be vigilant and inspect trees near their homes for potential hazards. Volunteers have been working tirelessly, teaming up with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office to clear debris and provide support to those affected.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Numerous neighborhoods around Keithville have engaged in collective cleanup efforts, addressing the substantial number of downed trees and power lines across the area. Residents have been advised to stay clear of heavily damaged zones while power restoration efforts are ongoing, as many families remain without electricity.
In addition to the physical damage, residents have also been confronting significant disruptions due to the aftermath of the storm. Many are relying on community support and volunteer assistance as they work to recover and rebuild their lives.
Weather Service Assessments
The NWS continues to monitor affected areas and plans to conduct further surveys, including locations southwest of Shreveport. The urgent response to the storm’s impact highlights the resilience of local communities. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety and caution as recovery efforts progress and the potential for further storms remains.
With the risk of severe weather persisting, authorities encourage all residents within the affected regions to stay informed about weather updates and ensure their safety instructions are followed diligently.
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Power Outages Affect Thousands in Shreveport
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Power Outages Disrupt Bossier and Caddo Parishes
New Traffic Legislation to Improve School Commutes in Shreveport
Roadway Safety Concerns in Shreveport-Bossier Area
Additional Resources
- KTAL News: Caddo Parish EF-1 Tornado
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Shreveport Times: Drone Footage of Storm Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Storm
- KTBS: Keithville Residents Clean Up
- Google Search: Caddo Parish Tornado
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Tornado and Storm Damage
- Google News: Caddo Parish
