Heat Persists in the South Central U.S. and California; Heavy Rain in the Ohio Valley

Sweltering heat remains across the South-Central Plains and Lower/Middle Mississippi Valley, as well as in the Southwest and California this week with limited nighttime relief. Heavy rainfall will lead to localized areas of flash flooding in parts of the Ohio Valley/Central Appalachians. Dry and breezy conditions will enhance fire weather concerns across the northern Rockies and High Plains. Read More >

Overview

Severe thunderstorms brought tornadoes to portions of East Texas during the night of May 6th, 2003, and the early morning hours of May 7th. Tornadoes also developed in North Central Louisiana during the early morning of May 7th. Below is a summary of the tornadoes that were confirmed by National Weather Service officials.

TOTAL TORNADO COUNT = 4

F0 = 2

F1 = 1

F2 = 1

Tornado Table

Graphics

TOR. #	START POINT	END POINT	RATING	FATALITIES/ INJURIES	REMARKS
#1	Wood County, TX	Marion County, TX	F2	4 injuries	This tornado began in Wood County. Numerous trees were either snapped or pushed over along the track. Power lines were downed in many locations. The tornado moved over the small community of Pine Mills and destroyed one old frame house and two mobile homes, while damaging nine others. Damage in Wood County was rated F2. In Upshur County, numerous trees were snapped or uprooted, and power lines were downed. A construction trailer was rolled several times east of Gilmer, TX. Damage in Upshur County was rated F2. In Harrison County, more tree damage was noted. However, no structures were damaged. Damage in Harrison County was rated F1. In Marion County, more trees were snapped or uprooted. No structures were damaged. Damage in Mario County was rated as F1.
#2	Harrison County, TX	Caddo Parish, LA	F0	None	In Harrison County, damage was confined to snapped and uprooted trees. This damage was rated F0. In Marion County, damage was confined to snapped and uprooted trees. This damage was rated F0. In Caddo Parish, damage was confined to snapped and uprooted trees. This tornado moved across Caddo Lake and dissipated before reaching the eastern shore. Damage was rated F0.
#3	Lincoln Parish, LA	Lincoln Parish, LA	F0	None	Damage was minimal with isolated trees downed, and one barn roof was damaged along and near Williams Road.
#4	Union Parish, LA	Union Parish, LA	F1	None	A dozen homes were damaged 1.5 miles south of Downsville just off State Highway 151. Two homes lost their roofs, and minor to moderate structural damage was sustained by two others. Numerous outbuildings were damaged. A trailer and a shed were tossed over one house and deposited on the other side of Highway 151. Two barns were destroyed at the end of the track.

Tornado tracks across East Texas on May 6-7, 2003

Tornado tracks across East Texas on May 6th and 7th, 2003.

Tornado track near Downsville, LA, on May 7, 2003

Tornado track near Downsville, LA, on May 7th, 2003.

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Heat Persists in the South Central U.S. and California; Heavy Rain in the Ohio Valley

May 6-7, 2003: Tornadoes in East Texas & Northern Louisiana