A strong upper low moved across the region and interacted with a frontal boundary that was moving south across the area. Flooding, high wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes occurred in Louisiana as a result of this system.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS LCH wrote it up.
A strong upper low moved across the region and interacted with a frontal boundary that was moving south across the area. Flooding, high wind gusts, hail, and tornadoes occurred in Louisiana as a result of this system.
The local office's own words before the first event, 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 the first event at Apr 9, 9:28 PM CST, 50 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
1028 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
...New UPDATE...
.UPDATE...
Issued at 1022 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
Somewhat of a busy evening as clusters of storms have been
developing along a 85H theta-e convergence zone that has stretched
across from Toledo Bend down to Galveston. A very moist and highly
sheared environment with just enough instability and steep mid
level lapse rates to have strong to severe storms with high
rainfall rates to continue to move across this area.
Recently area is beginning to lift northward, most likely
beginning to feel the affects of the upper level system that is
moving in from central Texas. Super cells with this system are
expected to congeal into a squall line feature that will barrel
into the forecast area overnight into Wednesday morning with the
severe and flood threat continuing.
We will be launching a balloon here shortly for a 05z special
upper release to better sample the current environment.
No changes at this time.
Rua
&&
.SHORT TERM...
(Tonight through Thursday night)
Issued at 337 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
A very active scenario is anticipated tonight through Wednesday
as a strong storm system moves across the region.
After a morning of very gusty winds along the I-10 corridor south
of a weak boundary winds have calmed to under 20kts. Beaumont and
Lake Charles were both gusting over 45kts for a short period while
locations such as DeRidder were under 10. The wind adv has been
cancelled early.
A cold front is roughly stretching from SW Texas across Northern
Arkansas to the Great Lakes this afternoon with a warm and humid
air mass in place toward the Gulf Coast. A vigorous upper low is
near El Paso with upper divergence well ahead of the system
providing support for convection in East TX. A surface low is also
noted south of the TX Hill Country.
Through this evening convection over East TX will continue
east with some potentially moving into the local region. SVR WX
is not out of the question with this initial round, however
early tomorrow is the main show.
Wednesday morning aforementioned upper low and surface low will
continue east with best dynamics moving into SE TX and LA. Another
round of convection is expected to develop. Ample cape, low lvl
moisture, and srh will combined to produce a threat of all modes
of SVR WX including excessive rainfall. Guidance indicates a QLCS
with individual cells ahead of the line developing early Wed and
sweeping through the region by afternoon. Areas most likely to be
impacted are locations north of I-10 and generally east of the
Sabine, however the whole region has a risk of severe wx.
Training of cells is most likely across the lakes through Cen LA
with a flood watch already in effect. 2-6 inches will be possible
with localized higher amounts. Lesser amounts are anticipated
closer the I-10 corridor to the coast.
Gusty south to southeast winds are expected ahead of the squall
line with tides running 1 to 2 feet above MHHW at high tide. A
coastal flood adv has been issued for the coastal areas. The tide
lvls may still be running high at the time of the 2nd high tide in
the afternoon across south central LA.
High pressure will build in behind the cold front Wednesday night
into Thursday with gusty northwest winds expected.
&&
.LONG TERM...
(Friday through next Monday)
Issued at 337 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
High pressure will move across the region Friday then shift east
of the area for the weekend. While cool and slightly below normal
temperatures may occur Friday morning, warming and moistening is
expected as the ridge departs and the onshore flow resumes.
&&
.AVIATION...
(00Z TAFS)
Issued at 631 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
A messy weather pattern bringing all modes of hazards (wind/low
ceilings/reduced vis/etc.) will persist through the forecast
period, with conditions improving through the later half of
tomorrow. For tonight, mainly scattered showers with a few
thunderstorms are expected, with both showers and thunderstorms
likely continuing to cause some reductions in VIS overnight. MVFR
to IFR ceilings and occasional gusts will continue as well. Early
tomorrow prior to sunrise a squall line will take shape to our
west and eject west to east across the region. This will result in
several hours of heavy rain, strong gusty winds, low ceilings,
reduced VIS, as well as the potential for hail and tornadoes.
Conditions will improve west to east through the afternoon and
evening hours.
17
&&
.MARINE...
Issued at 337 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
A tight pressure gradient will continue to produce moderate to
strong south/southeast winds into Wednesday ahead of line of
thunderstorms that will sweep through during the morning and
afternoon. High pressure will build in Wednesday night into
Thursday with strong offshore winds expected. Light winds are
anticipated by Friday as high pressure moves overhead then to the
east of the area.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
AEX 64 80 53 74 / 90 90 10 0
LCH 69 80 56 76 / 80 80 0 0
LFT 72 81 59 76 / 60 90 0 0
BPT 69 82 55 78 / 90 60 0 0
&&
.LCH WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
LA...Flood Watch through Wednesday evening for LAZ027>033.
Wind Advisory from 6 AM to 7 PM CDT Wednesday for LAZ033-044-045-
055-073-074-141>143-152>154-241>243-252>254.
Coastal Flood Advisory from 3 AM to 2 PM CDT Wednesday for
LAZ073-074.
Coastal Flood Advisory from 3 AM to 7 PM CDT Wednesday for
LAZ252>254.
TX...Flood Watch through Wednesday evening for TXZ180-259-260.
Wind Advisory from 6 AM to 7 PM CDT Wednesday for TXZ515-516-615-
616.
Coastal Flood Advisory from 3 AM to 2 PM CDT Wednesday for
TXZ615.
GM...Small Craft Advisory until 4 PM CDT Wednesday for GMZ430-432.
Small Craft Advisory from 7 AM to 4 PM CDT Wednesday for GMZ435-
436.
Small Craft Advisory until 7 AM CDT Thursday for GMZ450-452-455-
470-472-475.
&&
SHORT TERM...05
LONG TERM....05
AVIATION...17Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
726 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
TXZ201-100115-
Hardin TX-
726 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN HARDIN COUNTY
THROUGH 815 PM CDT...
At 725 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles northwest of Batson, or 7 miles southwest of Thicket, moving
northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Thicket, Votaw, Honey Island, and Batson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3049 9470 3049 9454 3053 9455 3053 9450
3041 9435 3023 9464 3046 9472
TIME...MOT...LOC 0025Z 220DEG 17KT 3031 9471
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RuaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
826 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
TXZ180-201-100215-
Hardin TX-Tyler TX-
826 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTH CENTRAL TYLER AND HARDIN
COUNTIES THROUGH 915 PM CDT...
At 826 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Batson, or near Saratoga, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Lumberton, Silsbee, Kountze, Saratoga, Thicket, Wildwood, Caney Head,
Batson, Votaw, Honey Island, and Village Mills.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3049 9454 3053 9454 3057 9416 3033 9410
3028 9412 3026 9411 3026 9410 3024 9412
3022 9412 3016 9461 3049 9473
TIME...MOT...LOC 0126Z 242DEG 24KT 3031 9461
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RuaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
847 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
TXZ180-259-100245-
Northern Jasper TX-Tyler TX-
847 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT EASTERN TYLER AND NORTHEASTERN
JASPER COUNTIES THROUGH 945 PM CDT...
At 847 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Spurger, or 8 miles northwest of Fred, moving northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Jasper, Town Bluff, and Spurger.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3056 9420 3054 9439 3101 9424 3091 9391
TIME...MOT...LOC 0147Z 208DEG 17KT 3068 9426
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RuaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
920 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
TXZ180-201-261-100315-
Hardin TX-Southern Jasper TX-Tyler TX-
920 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN TYLER AND
NORTHWESTERN HARDIN COUNTIES THROUGH 1015 PM CDT...
At 919 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms over Honey Island, or 7 miles south of Wildwood, moving
northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 40 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Kountze, Saratoga, Fred, Wildwood, Spurger, Caney Head, Batson, Honey
Island, and Village Mills.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3074 9421 3060 9408 3058 9409 3056 9409
3053 9407 3052 9402 3017 9453 3028 9466
3034 9468
TIME...MOT...LOC 0219Z 232DEG 17KT 3041 9444
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
RuaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
1016 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
LAZ030-TXZ259-260-100400-
Beauregard LA-Northern Newton TX-Northern Jasper TX-
1016 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT NORTHWESTERN BEAUREGARD
PARISH...CENTRAL NEWTON AND EAST CENTRAL JASPER COUNTIES THROUGH 1100
PM CDT...
At 1016 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Call, moving east at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
Newton, Kirbyville, Merryville, Call, Bon Weir, Trout Creek, Bivens,
Magnolia Springs, Mt. Union, Jamestown, Roganville, Bancroft,
Bleakwood, and Wiergate.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3053 9394 3075 9406 3104 9372 3060 9344
TIME...MOT...LOC 0316Z 249DEG 26KT 3063 9390
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RuaSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Lake Charles LA
1057 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
LAZ027-030-100500-
Beauregard LA-Vernon LA-
1057 PM CDT Tue Apr 9 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHERN BEAUREGARD AND
SOUTHWESTERN VERNON PARISHES THROUGH MIDNIGHT CDT...
At 1057 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms near Bon Weir, moving northeast at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to vegetation and outdoor
objects is possible.
Locations impacted include...
De Ridder, Leesville, Rosepine, Merryville, Singer, Fort Johnson,
Slagle, New Llano, Bivens, Burr Ferry, Tulla, Junction, Evans,
Pickering, and Bundick Lake.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to
localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3063 9306 3058 9369 3064 9368 3068 9363
3076 9361 3077 9359 3083 9355 3088 9357
3090 9355 3092 9355 3093 9353 3096 9353
3097 9357 3101 9357 3101 9354 3103 9351
3105 9353 3107 9353 3109 9355 3123 9311
TIME...MOT...LOC 0357Z 243DEG 32KT 3077 9361
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
RuaThe Ft Polk radar (KPOE), 44 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 04:18 UTC.
29 thunderstorm wind, 9 tornado, 5 flash flood, 3 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Trees were downed in West Park.
Numerous streets flooded around Leesville. One home was also reported to have water inside in north Leesville.
A large tree was snapped and blocking a road.
A report of ping pong ball size hail was received through social media.
Multiple trees downed in Sulphur and Carlyss.
The tornado began near the intersection of Herbert Camp Rd and Big Pasture Road, resulting in EF0-EF1 tree damage as it headed northeast. Surging winds to the south of the tornadic circulation removed the roof of an outbuilding farther east down Big Pasture Rd. The tornado continued northeast through marshy and uninhabited areas, crossing the Intracoastal waterway south of the Grand Lake Swing Bridge. To the south of LA-384, an untethered mobile home was flipped and destroyed. On the north side of the highway, an RV and a small outbuilding were overturned. The tornado continued east-northeast, causing additional tree damage as it neared and crossed Gulf Highway. |The tornado caused additional tree damage as it passed through the Vincent Road and Piccou Lane area before dissipating shortly after.
The tornado touched down to the south of LA-384 near Honore Lane, damaging trees as it headed northeast toward the Intracoastal waterway. The tornado continued through generally marshy and uninhabited areas until nearing Gulf Highway to the south of b1BANK, causing additional tree damage and tearing off a metal awning from a storage building and tossing it approximately 300 feet into a neighboring yard. The tornado then crossed Gulf Highway, leaning wooden utility poles toward the east, and|dissipating in a field to the southeast of the bank. Max estimated winds were 100 mph.
A wind gust of 55 knots was recorded at KLCH.
A tornado touched down near Vernon road on the eastern side of McNeese State University and crossed Common, Center, Harvard and Kirkman streets before moving into the Moss Memorial Health Complex causing damage to roofing. The tornado continued across Louisiana Ave where it further intensified destroying the roofs of several homes along Elton Court while also causing widespread tree and electrical damage. The tornado weakened as it crossed Brentwood lane before dissipating just east of Walton Street. Maximum estimated winds were 115 mph.
Portable sheds blown into the roadway.
Tree snapped.
A tornado briefly touched down near the intersection of Ryan Street and 17th Street, causing extensive damage to the Library Riot Bar. The tornado caused partial roof loss to an outbuilding between Deaton Street and Doolan Lane before dissipating. Maximum estimated winds were 100 mph.
A brief tornado touched down on a property to the west of West Todd Rd, destroying a sheet metal carport, causing overhang/fascia damage to a home and tree damage. The tornado continued northeast crossing W Todd Road and an open field, reaching a property to the west of LA-27 causing additional tree damage and overturning an unanchored wooden storage barn prior to dissipating. Maximum estimated winds were estimated at 100 mph.
A wind gust of 52 knots was recorded at the Hackberry RAWS.
The Tornado began east of LA-101 along Ardoin Cove Road, causing damage to trees and a mobile home. A metal building had part of its roof removed, which was thrown into a field. The tornado moved east-northeast, crossing Parish Road 720A and causing damage to utility poles, then crossing LA-1131 causing damage to trees and mobile homes. The tornado continued east-northeast toward LeBlanc Road causing damage to several metal outbuildings, then passed through agricultural fields before crossing Abell|Road west of East Bayou Lacassine. The tornado caused additional tree damage north of Abell Road prior to dissipating west of LA-99.
A wind gust of 52 knots was recorded at KCWF Chenault Airport.
Several trees uprooted, twisted, or snapped in the Lebleu Settlement area along with damage to power lines and sheds.
Several shops/sheds with damage ranging from total destruction to moderate damage. Three homes also had minor roof damage.
Trees downed on Market street in Elton.
A tree was downed onto a home in Basile.
A wind gust of 55 knots was recorded at KOPL.
Multiple trees were downed along with a metal flag pole. A chicken coop was also damaged from a thunderstorm.
The tornado touched down just northeast of Bayou Courtableau, causing tree damage and minor roof damage to residential homes on Vista Drive. One carport was destroyed. The tornado continued northeast across Camp Thistlethwaite and I-49 causing additional tree damage. The tornado reached LA-182 where utility poles were leaned over before it dissipated in an open field east of LA-182 and north of Plant Rd. Maximum estimated winds were 95 mph.
Power poles were downed on LA 13 and Schultz Road in Iota.
Multiple roads flooded with Loftin Road impassable.
Damage was reported to siding on a building along Prairie Hays Road in Branch.
A brief tornado touched down at the leading edge of the squall line before it reached Parish Road 397. Tornado caused tree damage and destroyed a grain bin. Maximum estimated winds were 100 mph.
Damage to trees and homes reported along Diamond Lane and Berab and Vautrot Roads.
A tree was downed onto Vista Street.
A tree was blown down onto a trailer crushing the occupant. Deputies were called to the scene at 7:30 AM. It was determined that the tree fell during severe weather.
A tree fell onto car containing 4 people. One injury was critical and victim was air lifted to Baton Rouge.
A tree was downed onto Hypolite Road near Cankton.
A brief tornado touched down along the leading edge of the squall line as it reached LA-103, twisting off large tree limbs and snapping tree trunks. Maximum estimated winds were 90 mph.
A few roads closed near Rosepine including Hawks Road.
Multiple trees were downed in Port Barre.
Winds estimated around 60 mph during a thunderstorm.
Numerous trees down across Saint Landry Parish with over 60 roads blocked by downed trees.
A wind gust of 72 knots was recorded at the Hackberry RAWS.
Multiple trees were downed and a shed was destroyed in Krotz Springs.
Quarter size hail reported in Arnaudville. .
Multiple trees were downed near City Hall in Youngsville.
A tree was downed in New Iberia City Park.
Multiple roads were flooded around Boyce.
A tree was downed onto the Atchafalaya Bridge blocking westbound traffic.
Numerous roads were flooded in Ville Platte with some vehicles being stalled. Coulee Manuel was also over its banks.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderstorm Wind, Rapides | 2024-04-10 | 60 | Female | Mobile/Trailer Home | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Louisiana in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Louisiana, 2024Warnings in Louisiana, April 2024
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1173958, 1173935, 1173734, 1173944, 1173736, 1173801, 1173915, 1173919, 1173960, 1173918, 1173802, 1173803, 1173908, 1173923, 1173962, 1173925, 1173959, 1173804, 1173945, 1173948, 1173805, 1173961, 1173949, 1173922, 1173951, 1173936, 1173952, 1173927, 1173806, 1173953, 1174964, 1173807, 1173955, 1173933, 1173974, 1173957, 1173941, 1173947, 1173964, 1173968, and more.