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Dangerous Flooding Potential in East Texas and Western and Central Louisiana

A High Risk (Level 4 of 4) of Excessive Rainfall has been issued for portions of east Texas into western Louisiana today. For weeks, heavy rainfall has fallen across the Gulf coast states so any additional rainfall today will likely lead to life threatening flash flooding. Severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, severe winds and tornadoes will also be possible in central Texas. Read More >

Labarre, LA to Spillman, LA Tornado - April 10, 2024

 
Rating:
EF-1
Estimated Maximum Wind:
110 mph
Injuries/Fatalities:
None
Damage Path Length:
32.4 miles
Maximum Path Width:
1,760 yards
Approximate Start Point/Time:
3 miles SSW of Morganza, LA at 758 AM CDT
Approximate End Point/Time:
6 miles NNE of Spillman, LA at 827 AM CDT

 

A National Weather Service Damage Assessment Team has surveyed the storm damage between Labarre, LA and Spillman, LA. It has been determined the damage was the result of a tornado. The tornado has been rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Damage estimates were consistent with winds of 110 mph.

A strong and long-lived tornado tracked across portions of Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana Parishes carving out a nearly 33-mile- long path with a maximum width of approximately 1 mile just southwest of Spillman, LA. Per NDVI differencing on satellite analysis, this tornado formed south of Morganza, LA within a powerful line of thunderstorms and quickly moved northeast over mainly rural lands before causing more substantial tree damage as it crossed Morganza Hwy. The tree damage became increasingly more widespread and intense as the tornado crossed Levee Road and the Mississippi River. High resolution satellite imagery identified a focused swath of tree damage roughly 400 yards in width that continued northeast through the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge up through US Highway 61. Tree damage was observed on Highway 61 with another large swath of tree damage further northeast on Bains Road. Due to the heavily wooded and rural areas, ground surveys were impeded in identifying parts of this track as it continued northeast. The tornado quickly grew in size thereafter and the most significant damage began after the tornado crossed Polk Brannon Road. The ground survey was able to access along Spillman Road and Jones Vaughn Creek Road where numerous trees were snapped, large hardwood trees were uprooted, and several wooden electrical transmission poles were snapped. The peak width of the damage path was measured in this vicinity with widespread damage evident along a mile wide swath. Ground surveys were impeded near Spillman, LA due to widespread tree damage from this tornado, but the damage path and track remained wide and significant as it tracked northeast along Highway 421. High resolution satellite analysis was used to provide the end point for this tornado in which the tornado finally lifted after crossing into rural parts of Wilkinson County in Mississippi.

Labarre to Spillman, LA tornado track of Apr 10, 2022
Surveyed damage track between Labarre, LA and Spillman, LA

KHDC radar data for Labarre to Spillman, LA tornado of 4/10/2024
KHDC WSR-88D radar data near Morganza, LA at 801 AM CDT 4/10/24 (circled area is tornadic rotation)

KHDC radar data for Bains, LA tornado of 4/10/2024
KHDC WSR-88D radar data near Wakefield, LA at 815 AM CDT 4/10/24 (circled area is tornadic rotation)

 

 

Tornado Damage
Roof damage on home

Tornado Damage
Damaged carport

Tornado Damage
Uprooted tree

Tornado Damage
Snapped tree on railroad

Tornado Damage
Uprooted trees

Tornado Damage
Snapped trees in distance

Tornado Damage
Snapped trees

Tornado Damage
Snapped and uprooted trees

Tornado Damage
Snapped trees

Tornado Damage
Snapped trees

Tornado Damage
Snapped power pole and uprooted tree

Tornado Damage
Roof damage to outbuilding

Tornado Damage
Snapped power poles in open field

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