Staff report
SHREVEPORT, La. — Ruston and Lincoln Parish is facing a threat of severe weather Saturday afternoon and into the night, according to a report put out by the National Weather Service Thursday morning.
The area is under an “Enhanced” risk currently, which puts the threat at a 3 on a scale of 1-5. Potential hazards include: damaging winds of 60+ mph, large hail, moderate to heavy rainfall and the possibility of tornadoes.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Phorne confirmed the forecast but said that the timeline is still in question.
“There is still some uncertainty on the exact timing of when the line will be expected to push through, but the guidance that we do have currently is indicating that it’s going to be early afternoon when it gets into the Northwest portion of Louisiana,” Phorne said. “For Lincoln Parish, the line is expected to hit early- to mid-afternoon. But the big potential that we’re looking for is the chance for isolated thunderstorms to develop ahead of that front. That will be when the strongest tornadoes or storms are possible. And when the line gets there, it will be more of a wind threat or an isolated tornado.”
Phorne reiterated how important it is to have a plan ahead of severe weather for your home and family.
“The last thing you want to do is try to think about what to do in the instant a tornado is heading to your house,” Phorne said. “It’s best to have a plan in place so you can take action if there is a tornado warning issued for your area.”
For severe weather threats of this type, families are encouraged to know where to seek shelter in the case of a tornado, such as a hallway or closet away from exterior windows and walls.
