Storms disrupt traffic, electricity

High straight line winds and two tornadoes swept through Richland Parish last week.

No lives were lost, but the storms downed trees and power lines, disrupting traffic and electricity throughout the parish.  Entergy reported more than 1,000 people without electricity, mostly in the area between Rayville and Girard.

The U.S. National Weather Service reported a weak tornado touching down in a wooded area off Horace Moore Road before moving northeast along the bayou through Start.

A second tornado touched down along Scales Road and moved northeast along Boeuf River before dissipating.

“We had one house totally destroyed and several others heavily damaged,” Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Neal Harwell said. “Several more carports and  structures were also heavily damaged.  Numerous trees were down all over the parish blocking roads.

All roadways were opened by 7 p.m. that evening, but RPSO had one unit totaled on Hwy 80 at Girard by a tree falling on it.

“No one was hurt during this weather event which we are thankful for,” Harwell said. 

In addition, State Police Troop F reports the winds caused a multiple-vehicle accident on the I-20 between Rayville and Start. While traffic was slowed down by the accident, no one was seriously injured.

“High straight line winds blew those commercial Motor Vehicles over,” Troop F Public Information Officer Javier Leija said. “The drivers were fine, just shook up.”

In another incident, a tree fell on Hwy 80 near the Boeuf River bridge, blocking the highway until workers could clear it.

“We’re saddened to see the damage that today’s storms have brought to the Fifth District,” Congresswoman Julia Letlow said. “We have been in close contact with state and local leaders to offer assistance. Our team is here to help our region recover.”