An apparent tornado struck the Farmerville area Tuesday night as a line of storms moved through the area.
A number of homes were damaged or destroyed, according to the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office. Most of the damage occurred around La. Highway 2 near Scotts Hideaway Road west of Farmerville and the Camp Road-Union Villa Apartments area north of town.
The Farmerville Police Department reported about 25 people were injured by the twister, some critically.
Claiborne Electric Cooperative reported 3,000 of its meters lost power during the storm, but service has already been restored to many customers. About noon on Wednesday, Claiborne Electric told customers only 340 outages remained.
Entergy reported about 300 outages around Farmerville from the storm.
The National Weather Service is expected to issue specifics on the nature of the weather event in a few days. Initial reports indicate six possible tornadoes struck Caddo, Union, Rapides, Madison, East Carroll and Franklin Parishes Tuesday. A team from the Shreveport office was surveying the damage in Union Parish Wednesday morning.
Governor John Bel Edwards surveyed the damage in Caddo and Union Parishes Wednesday.
Social media reports indicate damage throughout much of Farmerville and the need for children’s clothes for families who lost everything or cannot reach their homes.
The Farmerville Recreation Center was opened to anyone needing shelter. The center, located at 116 Cox Ferry Road, is providing emergency beds, food, and water. A replenishment blood drive was held by LifeShare Wednesday afternoon at the Union Parish Police Jury.
Union Parish schools and D’arbonne Woods were closed Wednesday. Basketball games scheduled for Wednesday night against Neville were canceled as well as a Christmas concert Thursday night.
A tornado earlier Tuesday evening in the south Caddo Parish community of Keithville killed a mother and her son, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Willis-Knighton Cardiology of Ruston has been approved as a designated drop-off for donations for the residents of Farmerville, first responders, and the shelter. Willis-Knighton said the list will be updated as more information on needs becomes available.
Bottled Water
Snack-type foods
Blankets
Hygiene Products
Diapers/Wipes/Formula
Paper Plates/Cups/Forks/Spoons
Children’s Puzzles/Coloring books/Crayons
Items may be dropped off at 2313 Commons Court, Suite 5, in Ruston. Willis-Knighton Cardiology of Ruston said it is dedicated to assisting the needs of our community during this time of loss.
