Tornado Watch for Shreveport, Louisiana: Details Inside

Shreveport has been under the threat of severe weather all day, but thus far, skies are clear. However, for our area, the severe threat has been significantly upgraded by the National Weather Service. The NWS have issued a tornado watch for parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas - including Shreveport, Louisiana.

Severe Storms Moving Towards Shreveport

As you can see from the radar view provided by the National Weather Service, severe storms are on the way. This line of storms can potentially produce damaging winds, tornadoes, torrential downpours capable of producing flash flooding and frequent lightening.

According to current projections, the line of storms is supposed to hit Shreveport-Bossier around 5 PM.

What's The Difference Between a Tornado Watch and Warning?

Every time there's a weather update, we get tons of questions on our app about what's the difference between a watch & warning.

Here's how it basically breaks down - watch means be prepared, warning means take action. Some states will illustrate this by showing all the ingredients on the counter to show watch and a pound cake or whatever to illustrate the warning. Basically, one means it's possible thanks to these factors, the other means it's happening so you better take action.

Here's a really good breakdown from Weather.gov:

• Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!  Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, take inventory of your supplies and check your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
• Tornado Warning: Take Action! A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar or by a trained spotter/law enforcement who is watching the storm.
• Tornado Emergency: Seek Shelter Immediately! A tornado emergency is the National Weather Service’s highest alert level. It is issued when a violent tornado has touched down in the watch area. There is a severe threat to human life and property, with catastrophic damage confirmed. Immediately seek refuge in the safest location possible. Call friends and family who are within the watch area to ensure they are aware of the situation. If you see a tornado approaching, do not attempt to outrun it in a vehicle; shelter in place. Once safe, be sure to monitor your local forecast for the latest updates.

Prepare for Possible Power Outages in Shreveport

We've talked about this a lot lately related to certain conditions, but there's always a good chance you could lose power. Some of it directly caused by the storms - downed powerlines, damage from debris or high winds...whatever. However, sometimes, SWEPCO has to make tough decisions to try and prevent serious problems by preemptively cutting power to customers.

So, when severe storms are possible, it's best to be prepared just in case. Charge up your phones and essential electronic devices before the power does go out. Also, probably a good idea to gather up essential items like nonperishable food, bottles of water, flashlights, any medications you might need, pet supplies and anything else you can think of that you may need during an extended power outage. It's easier to have that stuff handy before the storm, instead of fumbling around in the dark looking for supplies.

Once the power goes out, the first and most important thing, DON'T GO NEAR ANY DOWNED POWERLINES. The power may be out at your house, but you don't want to find out the hard way that line is live.

The next thing is a list of stuff to do to keep you and your stuff safe:

• Keep freezers & refrigerators closed. You don't want your food to spoil and it's really not a good way to cool your house in the event of an outage.
• If you have a generator, make sure you keep it outdoors and away from windows/doors. You'd be surprised by how many people accidentally poison themselves annually because of this.
• Disconnect appliances/electronics not connected to a surge protector. When the power comes back on, it could damage your equipment.