The National Weather Service in Shreveport confirmed Wednesday, June 26, that an EF-1 tornado with estimated winds of 88 mph moved through the Plain Dealing area Tuesday evening, leaving behind scattered damage and widespread power outages.
According to the weather service, the storm occurred between 8:40 p.m. and 8:46 p.m. and produced a damage path approximately 4.88 miles long and up to 300 yards wide. The path began west of town near Highway 2, crossed Highway 3 and continued southeast before ending east of Highway 157.
While no injuries or fatalities were reported, residents spent much of Wednesday assessing damage and clearing debris left behind by the storm.
Fallen tree limbs and debris could be seen throughout parts of Plain Dealing, and many businesses remained without electricity more than 20 hours after the severe weather moved through the area. Town Hall was among the facilities affected by the prolonged outage.
Officials with the Bossier Parish Police Jury said crews from the Bossier Parish Police Jury were deployed to assist with cleanup efforts. Track hoes and other heavy equipment were used to remove fallen trees and debris from parish roads impacted by the storm, helping restore access for residents and emergency vehicles.
Utility crews continued working throughout the day to restore power to affected homes and businesses as recovery efforts remained ongoing.
The National Weather Service continues to monitor and assess damage from severe weather that affected portions of Northwest Louisiana Tuesday evening.