Alert archive / Louisiana / Tornado Warnings in 2024

Tornado Warning 95, NWS Lake Charles, LA

December 28, 2024Rapides Parish, Louisiana

NWS Lake Charles, LA issued this tornado warning at Dec 28, 2024, 8:04 AM CST for Rapides Parish, Louisiana. It was in force for 26 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued.

The facts

Issued: Dec 28, 2024, 8:04 AM CST (14:04 UTC)
Expired: Dec 28, 2024, 8:30 AM CST
In force: 26 min
Issued by: NWS Lake Charles, LA
Area: Storm-based polygon
Tornado: Radar indicated
Hail: 0.75 in

County Rapides Parish, LA

The radar

The Ft Polk radar (KPOE), 40 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 14:05 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

Issued	Product	Office	Lasted
Dec 28, 7:38 AM CST	Tornado Watch	SPC	7 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Lake Charles Mun, LA (KLCH), launched 12:00Z, 2.1 hours before the alert went out and 130 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-p

Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.

Hodograph

The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.

Mixed-layer CAPE: 2104 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN: -5 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL: 579 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear: 33 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity: 155 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity: 186 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter: 1.7
Supercell composite: 11.5

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

261 
WFUS54 KLCH 281404
TORLCH
LAC079-281430-
/O.NEW.KLCH.TO.W.0095.241228T1404Z-241228T1430Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
804 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Central Rapides Parish in central Louisiana...

* Until 830 AM CST.

* At 804 AM CST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
  was located near Elmer, or 9 miles east of Hineston, moving
  northeast at 25 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
  central Rapides Parish, including the following locations...
  Woodworth, Calcasieu, and Forest Hill.

This includes Interstate 49 between mile markers 70 and 91.
 
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile
home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and
protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3102 9263 3111 9274 3140 9250 3118 9227
TIME...MOT...LOC 1404Z 225DEG 21KT 3112 9261 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

Stigger/87

2 follow-up statements

753 
WWUS54 KLCH 281415
SVSLCH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
815 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

LAC079-281430-
/O.CON.KLCH.TO.W.0095.000000T0000Z-241228T1430Z/
Rapides LA-
815 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 AM CST FOR CENTRAL
RAPIDES PARISH...

At 815 AM CST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 7 miles east of Elmer, or 11 miles north of Glenmora,
moving northeast at 20 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Alexandria around 820 AM CST.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Woodworth.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile
home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and
protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3107 9255 3116 9266 3140 9250 3118 9227
TIME...MOT...LOC 1415Z 235DEG 19KT 3114 9255 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

JB

643 
WWUS54 KLCH 281424
SVSLCH

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
824 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

LAC079-281430-
/O.CON.KLCH.TO.W.0095.000000T0000Z-241228T1430Z/
Rapides LA-
824 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 830 AM CST FOR CENTRAL
RAPIDES PARISH...

At 824 AM CST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located 7 miles northwest of Lecompte, or 9 miles south of
Alexandria, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

This dangerous storm will be near...
  Alexandria around 830 AM CST.

Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include
Woodworth.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a
sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile
home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and
protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 3111 9250 3120 9260 3140 9250 3118 9227
TIME...MOT...LOC 1424Z 230DEG 20KT 3116 9250 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

JB

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this tornado warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Lake Charles, LA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Dec 28, 7:41 AM CST, 23 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Dec 28, 7:41 AM CST, 23 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
741 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

...New UPDATE...

.UPDATE...
Issued at 740 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

Convection is blossoming across the area with several cells
already noted to contain rotation. Severe wx is anticipated
through much of the afternoon and a tornado watch is now in effect
for most of the area through 3PM.

&&

.SHORT TERM...
(Today through Monday night)
Issued at 333 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

An active weather day is expected today.

Thick fog is currently blanketing the area with most locations
having a vis of 1/2 mile or less. Dewpoints have risen into the
mid 60s to around 70 as moisture continues to increase. Fog will
continue through sunrise, however mixing will increase fairly
quickly this morning which will allow fog to dissipate earlier
than most local radiational fog events. Lift is already
increasing with spotty showers developing along the I-10 corridor
which may allow for brief and spotty breaks in the dense fog to
develop before sunrise.

An approaching short wave over West TX will quickly push
east/northeast today. Lift will continue to increase this morning as
this disturbance draws closer. Ample moisture and instability, an
increasing LLJ, and steep mid lvl lapse rates will combine over
the local area to produce severe weather late this morning through
this afternoon and early evening. SPC has increased the threat
level to moderate (risk lvl 4 of 5) for a portion of the region
including sections of the East TX Lakes area and Central LA for
the potential of large hail, strong winds, and long lived
tornadoes, however severe weather is possible for the entire area.
As lift and instability increases through the morning and mid day
discrete cells are anticipated to develop before a squall line
eventually sweeps through during the afternoon and early evening.

The vigorous short wave and associated cold front will push east
of the area tonight with a modest cool down and drier weather
expected for Sunday and early next week.

&&

.LONG TERM...
(Tuesday through Saturday)
Issued at 333 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

Late Monday and early Tuesday a low pressure system will move
across the mid Mississippi Valley with a cold front pushing to the
gulf coast. This front will usher in more seasonable weather for
the second half of the week

&&

.AVIATION...
(12Z TAFS)
Issued at 542 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

LIFR conditions will persist for most of the TAF cycle as a result
of low VIS from dense fog or heavy showers / thunderstorms.
Showers are ongoing, with severe weather likely later this morning
through the evening hours.

Post front, showers and storms will clear the area, however that
will open the door for another round of fog very early tomorrow
morning.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 333 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

Dense fog will linger along the coast through early morning. Winds
will increase after sunrise with a moderate onshore flow expected
through much of the day. Thunderstorms can also be expected today
which may cause locally higher winds and seas.

A cold front will push through tonight with a light to moderate
offshore flow anticipated into Monday. A stronger front is
expected Tuesday.

&&

.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
AEX  73  52  68  47 / 100  50   0   0
LCH  75  54  69  51 /  90  30   0   0
LFT  76  58  71  51 /  90  70   0   0
BPT  77  54  72  52 /  90  10   0   0

&&

.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...None.
TX...None.
GM...None.
&&

SHORT TERM...05
LONG TERM....05
AVIATION...87

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Dec 28, 7:50 AM CST, 14 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
750 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

LAZ030-141-281415-
Beauregard LA-Northern Calcasieu LA-
750 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN BEAUREGARD PARISH
THROUGH 815 AM CST...

At 749 AM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Fields, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
De Quincy, Singer, Longville, Oretta, and Fields.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 300 PM CST for southwestern
Louisiana.

&&

LAT...LON 3039 9354 3045 9363 3075 9343 3060 9316
TIME...MOT...LOC 1349Z 217DEG 21KT 3046 9354

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

Tingler

Special weather statement, Dec 28, 7:51 AM CST, 13 minutes before

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
751 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

LAZ027-030-281415-
Beauregard LA-Vernon LA-
751 AM CST Sat Dec 28 2024

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHEASTERN BEAUREGARD AND
SOUTHEASTERN VERNON PARISHES THROUGH 815 AM CST...

At 750 AM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Tulla, or 7 miles east of De Ridder, moving northeast at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects.

Locations impacted include...
Pitkin, Cravens, Sugartown, and Fullerton.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 300 PM CST for southwestern
and west central Louisiana.

&&

LAT...LON 3093 9285 3088 9293 3088 9298 3084 9298
      3072 9317 3078 9326 3110 9310
TIME...MOT...LOC 1350Z 217DEG 21KT 3081 9317

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

Tingler

The office that day

Everything else NWS Lake Charles, LA issued on the same UTC day.

Issued	Product	Office	Counties	Lasted
Dec 28, 7:17 AM CST	Tornado Warning	LCH	Beauregard	28 min
Dec 28, 7:49 AM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	LCH	Rapides	26 min
Dec 28, 7:50 AM CST	Special Weather Statement	LCH	Beauregard	25 min
Dec 28, 7:51 AM CST	Special Weather Statement	LCH	Vernon	24 min
Dec 28, 8:07 AM CST	Tornado Warning	LCH	Beauregard	38 min
Dec 28, 8:29 AM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	LCH	Rapides	15 min
Dec 28, 8:52 AM CST	River Flood Warning	LCH	Rapides	24 days
Dec 28, 8:52 AM CST	River Flood Warning	LCH	Beauregard	4 days
Dec 28, 8:52 AM CST	River Flood Warning	LCH	Beauregard, Calcasieu	29 days
Dec 28, 12:29 PM CST	Special Weather Statement	LCH	Vernon	31 min
Dec 28, 2:58 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	LCH	Vernon	62 min
Dec 28, 3:26 PM CST	Special Marine Warning	LCH		64 min
Dec 28, 3:29 PM CST	Tornado Warning Tornado observed	LCH	Vernon	31 min
Dec 28, 3:41 PM CST	Tornado Warning Tornado observedConsiderable damage threat	LCH	Cameron	49 min
Dec 28, 3:46 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	LCH	Rapides, Vernon	59 min
Dec 28, 3:55 PM CST	Tornado Warning	LCH	Rapides, Vernon	35 min
Dec 28, 4:18 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	LCH	Allen, Beauregard, Evangeline, Rapides, Vernon	57 min
Dec 28, 4:23 PM CST	Tornado Warning Tornado observedConsiderable damage threat	LCH	Cameron	40 min
Dec 28, 4:29 PM CST	Flash Flood Warning	LCH	Rapides, Vernon	3 hr
Dec 28, 4:37 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threat	LCH	Acadia, Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis and 1 more	53 min
Dec 28, 4:45 PM CST	Special Marine Warning	LCH		45 min
Dec 28, 5:05 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	LCH	Cameron	55 min
Dec 28, 5:09 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	LCH	Avoyelles, Evangeline, Saint Landry	66 min
Dec 28, 5:10 PM CST	Tornado Warning Tornado observed	LCH	Avoyelles, Evangeline, Saint Landry	35 min
Dec 28, 5:26 PM CST	Tornado Warning Tornado observedConsiderable damage threat	LCH	Cameron	34 min
Dec 28, 5:38 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	LCH	Acadia, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Saint Landry, Vermilion	52 min
Dec 28, 5:55 PM CST	Severe Thunderstorm Warning	LCH	Cameron, Vermilion	65 min

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Louisiana, 2024 Every tornado warning in 2024 Tornadoes in 2024

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.