Shreveport, LA – A tornado watch has been issued for portions of northwest Louisiana and eastern Texas, placing more than 1.1 million residents under heightened severe weather alert through 7 p.m. CDT Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Shreveport, the affected region includes cities such as Shreveport, Natchitoches, Mansfield, Lake Charles, Fort Polk, and DeRidder in Louisiana, as well as Port Arthur, Lufkin, Jasper, Silsbee, and Cleveland in Texas. The alert warns of the potential for a couple of tornadoes, isolated hail up to the size of quarters, and damaging wind gusts reaching up to 70 mph.
Emergency officials urge residents to remain weather-aware throughout the day and ensure they have multiple methods of receiving warnings. Outdoor activities should be postponed, and those in mobile homes or temporary structures are encouraged to identify sturdy shelter options.
Storms are expected to intensify during the afternoon and early evening hours before weakening overnight. This system aligns with the region’s active spring severe weather season, though the current threat level exceeds typical March patterns.
Travel disruptions, power outages, and school schedule changes may occur if storms worsen. Residents should monitor updates from local emergency management and the National Weather Service for real-time information.
