In the wake of deadly tornadoes sweeping across the US south, Louisiana bore the brunt of the devastating storm, claiming two lives. The state’s capital city, Baton Rouge, was hit particularly hard, with a woman succumbing to injuries after a tree collapsed onto her mobile home. A man and a five-year-old boy, who were also inside the home, were rushed to a nearby hospital, fighting for their lives.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service issued a dire warning to residents, urging them to seek shelter immediately. In a tweet, the agency warned of winds exceeding 75 mph, equivalent to those of a hurricane. “Everyone on the east side of the Baton Rouge metro and through Livingston Parish needs to take shelter NOW. Seek an interior room away from windows and protect your head,” the tweet advised.
The widespread destruction and disruption caused by the storms left several schools in Louisiana shut down, affecting over 30,000 people who lost power in the process. The city of Henderson, situated approximately 17 miles from Lafayette, was also affected, with one person reported dead in a tragic incident.
The St Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page posted a video confirming the fatality, with Sheriff Sherbin Collette and law enforcement urging residents to exercise extreme caution for their own safety. “We are asking people to PLEASE stay home and stop traveling throughout the parish,” the post emphasized. “First responders are attempting to assist with multiple calls, and increased traffic is causing secondary issues.”
Louisiana Tornados aftermathIn addition to Louisiana, parts of Texas are also reeling from the extreme weather. Houston earlier this month experienced severe flooding, resulting in the rescue of over 400 people from homes, rooftops, and roads. Meanwhile, a runway at Houston’s Hobby Airport was forced to close for repairs after being struck by lightning.
Central Texas was pummeled by baseball-sized hailstones over the weekend, while central Florida was hit with golfball-sized hailstones on Monday. A tornado watch remains in effect for parts of Florida and Georgia, the National Weather Service warned.
The 2024 tornado season is shaping up to be one of the most active in history, with NBC reporting that the number of tornadoes expected is higher than usual. While scientists have not confirmed whether the climate crisis is directly responsible for the uptick in tornadoes, they have noted that a warming climate able to hold more moisture increases the likelihood of thunderstorms, which can produce tornadoes.
As the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of this destructive weather pattern, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.