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…