By Message Staff
MONROE, La. (LBM)–Powerful storms produced damaging winds and hail, and spawned tornadoes to leave behind widespread destruction in Louisiana, late on Sunday, April 12.
Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo said in a press statement that a tornado heavily damaged more than 200-300 homes, combined, in his city, West Monroe and the rest of Ouachita Parish. The tornado also caused an estimated $30 million in damage at the Monroe Regional Airport, located just 200 yards from the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.
There have been no confirmed fatalities in Louisiana.
“Please cooperate with emergency responders and repair crews as they assess and repair damages,” Mayo wrote on his Facebook page. “By the grace of God, early reports show only a few minor injuries. Please pray for our city! Many of our neighbors and friends have suffered catastrophic damage. We are hurting; but we are not broken. Times like this remind us WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER! Together we are responding. Together we will rebuild.”
Monroe Regional Airport was especially hit hard, with at least one hangar collapsed on multi-engine jets stored inside, and heavy debris scattered across the runways, causing the cancellation of flights until further notice.
U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham toured the destruction at the airport. He wrote on his Facebook page that he spoke with Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and the White House, and was told they are offering their support and prayers for those affected by this disaster. “I will support a federal disaster declaration and additional measures necessary to resume normal operation as soon as possible,” he said.
Nearly 38,000 people from Shreveport to Monroe were without power at 9 p.m. Sunday, according to poweroutage.us.
Gov. John Bel Edwards on Sunday declared a state of emergency following the severe weather in the state, which included large hail and several strong tornadoes.
“During the early morning on April 12, a line of severe thunderstorms moved across Louisiana, bringing with it heavy rainfall, wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, large hail (two inches in diameter or greater), flash flooding and strong tornado activity,” said a statement announcing the emergency declaration.
“There already are reported power outages, downed trees and significant damage to structures in multiple parishes, including Ouachita, Bossier and DeSoto. Ouachita Parish has declared a state of emergency and additional parishes may follow suit.”
Edwards announced he would tour impacted areas on Monday.
“Sunday’s severe weather impacted multiple parishes in Louisiana, with reported tornadoes and large hail,” Edwards said in a news release. “I am declaring this emergency in order to make sure the parishes that are impacted, and any additional areas that have been affected by severe weather, are able to get assistance from the state. The damage is devastating.”
A tornado destroyed this building in Monroe, and was one of nearly 300 damaged in the area after a tornado touched down. City of Monroe photo
