Severe Storm Causes Widespread Damage and Flooding on May 22
The devastating weather events took place primarily in the south of Shreveport and southern areas of the Bossier Parish, with a short-lived EF-1 tornado confirmed near Haughton.
Notable Impact of Storm
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s powerful storm, hail, flooding, and widespread damage have been reported from various parts of Louisiana. In particular, parts of Shreveport south of I-20 and Southern Bossier Parish appear to have suffered the most damage. The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed a brief, short EF-1 tornado with peak winds of about 97 mph occurring about nine miles south-southwest of Haughton, near and east of Taylortown. The tornado caused damage to several buildings and many trees along the north side of Highway 527, just west of Red Chute Bayou. The maximum width of the tornado was reported as 100 yards, traveling about a quarter of a mile before dissipating.
Incoming Restoration Efforts
As the area recovers from the impactful storm, SWEPCO estimates that service will be restored by 10 p.m. Thursday for customers in Bossier City, Plain Dealing, and Vivian; while 5 p.m. Friday is expected for utility customers in Haughton and Shreveport. According to SWEPCO officials, at the peak of the storm, around 16,800 customers were without power. Post-storm, this number has reduced to about 6,200 in northwestern Louisiana as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Flooding in certain areas is making repair efforts difficult and may lead to extended wait times for power restoration.
Boil Advisories and Safety Precautions
Due to the power outages, boil advisories have been implemented for several water systems including Mill Creek Water System in Ringgold, LA, and Palmetto Waterworks in Doyline, LA. Post-storm safety guidance from SWEPCO urges citizens to stay away from downed wires and to report any such hazards immediately. Red caution is to be exercised when cleaning up debris. Applying a generator should strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions while avoiding debris within 10 feet of any powerline.
SWEPCO’s Response and FAQs
SWEPCO officials are currently assessing the damage and their crews are working hard to restore power as quickly as possible. SWEPCO has special crews attending to trees and other natural debris that have entangled with their lines and equipment. During emergency power restoration, while these trees and debris are cleared, the responsibility for removing them falls upon the property owners.
Note: Should you notice downed lines or sparking equipment, distance yourself and call 911 and SWEPCO at 888-218-3919.