News Summary
On May 6, 2025, Shreveport experienced severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes, resulting in historic rainfall, widespread flooding, and power outages for thousands. With over 4.5 inches of rain recorded, residents were warned to take precautions as water levels rose in local waterways. Flooding significantly impacted traffic and infrastructure, prompting local authorities to issue alerts and close parks for public safety. Efforts continue as officials monitor the aftermath and prepare for more weather-related challenges.
Shreveport, LA – On May 6, 2025, severe thunderstorms and a possible tornado led to widespread flooding and extensive power outages across Shreveport and nearby areas. The storm system triggered a tornado warning just before 4 p.m., leading authorities to alert residents to take cover as sirens echoed throughout downtown.
As torrential rain fell, a total of 4.53 inches accumulated in Shreveport, surpassing the previous record of 2.2 inches set in 2016. The National Weather Service warned that water levels in the region, including the Red River and Caddo Lake, were rising dramatically due to several factors, including heavy rains in northeast Texas and Oklahoma. Although the Red River is expected to remain below flood stage, local officials remained vigilant about potential flooding threats.
By 4:50 p.m. on that day, power outages affected approximately 11,483 customers across Caddo, Bossier, and DeSoto parishes. SWEPCO reported over 8,000 customers without power in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas combined, as the storms wreaked havoc on the region’s electrical infrastructure.
Flooding was particularly severe in areas east of Youree Drive and south of Stoner Avenue, with cars reported partially submerged between Caddo Magnet High School and the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Access roads and intersections like Youree Drive and E. Washington Street were also overwhelmed by rising waters, complicating traffic conditions for motorists navigating the storm.
The Caddo 911 system received numerous calls reporting distress from affected areas, including Mooringsport, Greenwood, and Youree Drive at Highway 1. Scattered downed trees were observed across the parish, as reported by the Caddo Sheriff’s Office, indicating widespread effects from powerful winds associated with the storms.
Although early reports from the Shreveport Police Department suggested that the southeastern part of the city experienced the most rainfall, no official confirmations of tornado touchdowns were made. However, the severe weather prompted caution as the storm led to flash flooding incidents, resulting in several vehicle accidents.
The aftermath of the storm also led to the closure of some local parks. Caddo Parks and Recreation officials decided to close Noah Tyson Park in Rodessa and Robert Nance Park in Hosston due to rising water levels, prioritizing public safety.
Looking ahead, the regional forecast suggested a possibility of scattered showers throughout the day following the heavy storms. Local authorities remained alert for further flooding and weather-related issues as the region dealt with the aftermath of the May 6 storms.
Residents are encouraged to remain cautious as the situation continues to develop, particularly with concerns about rising water levels in major waterways and the potential for additional rain in the coming days.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Tornado & Storm Damage
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- KSLA: Heavy Rain & Flooding
- Google Search: Shreveport flooding weather
- 710 KEEL: Major Power Outages
- Google Scholar: Severe weather impact Shreveport
- K945: Storm Risk in Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- KTAL: Weather Forecast Update
- Google News: Shreveport weather update
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
