STORM AFTERMATH – Portions of the Red River Radio listening area were impacted by the severe storms which pushed through late Friday and into the early morning hours Saturday. The weather claimed four lives in our area: one in Caddo parish in Oil City, two in Bossier parish and a third person near Nacogdoches. The National Weather Service reports that a tornado struck near Haughton with winds estimated at 135 mph. It killed an elderly couple as their mobile home was blown off its foundation and completely destroyed. The other fatalities were the result of trees falling in homes. Another weaker tornado struck in Nacogdoches county, in Texas resulting in a death there. The storm resulted in multiple road closures and, at the peak, left about 29,300 customers without power. Extensive damage
was reported in multiple parts of Louisiana and Texas. The Benton Middle School sustained severe damage as the roof covering four classrooms was blown away. According to a press release – Classes have been canceled for all Benton Middle School students as cleanup and repairs are underway, classes are expected to resume Tuesday.
ARKANSAS MOSTLY SPARED - In Southern Ark., residents in Union County avoided the most severe weather from storms that moved through early Saturday morning. The high winds and heavy rain did result in power outages and several downed trees throughout the county. According to an Entergy spokesman: approximately 2,600 customers lost power in the El Dorado/Camden area but most have since had power restored.
