Shreveport, La. – More than 30 Louisiana parishes are under a Severe Thunderstorm Watch through 7 p.m. Friday as powerful storms sweep across the northern half of the state, bringing damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy rain that could affect evening travel and power lines.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the watch—number 211—was issued at 12:10 p.m. CDT and includes key population centers like Shreveport, Alexandria, Monroe, and Ruston. Parishes affected range from Bossier and Caddo in the northwest to Concordia and Tensas near the Mississippi border.
Emergency managers in Ouachita and Rapides parishes warned of potential tree damage and localized street flooding, especially along U.S. Highway 165 and I-20 corridors. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor activity during peak storm hours and secure loose items that could become airborne.
This storm system marks the first widespread severe weather event of May for Louisiana, and similar watches may extend into parts of Mississippi and Texas this evening.
Warnings remain in effect through 7 p.m., and additional advisories may follow if storm intensity increases.
