Tornado Watch Issued for Rapides, Grant, Allen, Evangeline, St. Landry, Avoyelles, LaSalle, Catahoula, Winn, and Concordia Parishes in Louisiana, Southeastern Arkansas, and Western Mississippi Amid Severe Weather Threat

On March 14, 2025, the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center issued a Tornado Watch for parts of southeastern Arkansas, northeastern Louisiana, and western Mississippi, including Rapides, Grant, Allen, Evangeline, St. Landry, Avoyelles, LaSalle, Catahoula, Winn, and Concordia Parishes in central Louisiana. The watch is in effect from 5:00 PM CDT until 10:00 PM CDT, as dangerous conditions are highly favorable for severe weather, including the development of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts.

Severe Weather Risks and Expected Impact

The Tornado Watch area encompasses regions where supercell thunderstorms are expected to form this afternoon and evening. This will result in a heightened risk of severe weather, especially the development of strong and intense tornadoes with EF2+ intensity. Meteorologists have warned that multiple tornadoes could occur within the watch area, along with dangerous wind gusts potentially reaching up to 70 mph and hail as large as 2 inches in diameter.

The Lower Mississippi Valley is experiencing an atmospheric environment that is unstable and strongly sheared, providing optimal conditions for these severe thunderstorms to develop. The primary threats include:

1. Tornadoes: The possibility of EF2 and stronger tornadoes, which can cause significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and the landscape.
2. Damaging Winds: Wind gusts could reach up to 70 mph, with the potential for widespread property damage, downed trees, and power outages.
3. Large Hail: Hail up to 2 inches in diameter is expected in some areas, posing a significant risk to crops, vehicles, and buildings.

Affected Areas and Timeline

The Tornado Watch affects an area roughly 65 miles east and west of a line extending from 65 miles south-southeast of Alexandria, Louisiana, to 25 miles northwest of Greenwood, Mississippi. This includes the following parishes and counties:

• Louisiana Parishes: Rapides, Grant, Allen, Evangeline, St. Landry, Avoyelles, LaSalle, Catahoula, Winn, Concordia.
• Mississippi Counties: Western and southwestern Mississippi, including areas near Greenwood, MS.
• Arkansas: Southeastern parts of the state.

Residents in these areas are urged to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions and take precautions to ensure their safety. It is essential to stay informed through official weather sources, such as the National Weather Service, local emergency management agencies, and NOAA Weather Radio.

Preparedness and Safety Tips

1. Have a Severe Weather Plan: Families should know where to take shelter in case of a tornado or severe storm. The safest places to shelter are in interior rooms or basements, away from windows.
2. Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay updated on weather alerts and warnings issued by the National Weather Service, which may include Tornado Warnings and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings as the situation develops. Local authorities will also provide critical updates via radio, television, and social media platforms.
3. Prepare Emergency Kits: In case of power outages or evacuations, it’s essential to have emergency supplies, including flashlights, batteries, water, non-perishable food, and first-aid supplies.
4. Stay Indoors: During the storm, stay inside and away from windows. If you are in a vehicle, do not attempt to drive. Instead, seek a sturdy building to take shelter in.
5. Know the Difference Between a Watch and a Warning:
   • Tornado Watch means that tornadoes are possible in the area. Stay alert and be prepared to take action.
   • Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar, and immediate action is required.

Potential for More Severe Weather

While the current Tornado Watch is set to expire at 10:00 PM CDT on March 14, 2025, the situation is fluid, and additional warnings or watches may be issued as the storm system progresses. This storm is part of a larger weather system that is expected to continue moving eastward, potentially affecting other areas later in the evening and overnight.

Meteorologists are closely monitoring the development of the storm, and residents are advised to continue watching weather reports and warnings as the situation evolves.