A tornado watch has been issued for regions of northwest Louisiana and eastern Texas, putting more than 1.1 million people on high alert until 7 p.m. CDT Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, the affected areas include Shreveport, Natchitoches, Mansfield, Lake Charles, Fort Polk, and DeRidder in Louisiana, as well as Port Arthur, Lufkin, Jasper, Silsbee, and Cleveland in Texas. The notice warns of the possibility of a handful of tornadoes, isolated hail up to the size of quarters, and severe wind gusts of up to 70 mph (ca. 113 km/h).
Emergency officials urge folks to stay weather-aware throughout the day and have various ways to receive warnings. Outdoor activities should be postponed, and people living in mobile homes or temporary structures should seek durable shelter choices.
Storms are predicted to intensify throughout the afternoon and early evening before diminishing overnight. This system is consistent with the region’s busy spring severe weather season, although the current threat level exceeds typical March patterns.
If storms worsen, there may be travel difficulties, power outages, and changes to school schedules. Residents should monitor the local emergency management and the National Weather Service for real-time updates.
