Tornadoes and Damaging Winds in Louisiana, March 4, 2025

West Feliciana emergency management reported multiple trees down on Highway 421 east of Highway 61.

West Feliciana emergency management reported multiple trees down on along Highway 10 northeast of St. Francisville.

Multiple powerlines were downed by thunderstorm winds west of Kentwood.

Roof damage along River Rd/Hwy 942 in Darrow.

A brief EF1 tornado with max wind speeds of 90 MPH touched down just east of Donaldsonville near the intersection of Gautreau Road and LA Hwy 18. A few trees were damaged and an outbuilding was visibly destroyed. The tornado then crossed the Mississippi and damaged four well-built, newer homes. Approximately 20% of each roof was damaged, removed or peeled back. Large front porch pillars were moved or ripped away although none appeared to have been anchored to the concrete and on a few deck screws used to secure the tops of them. Fences were damaged and one garage door blown in. Splatter on the east-northeast sides of the homes was noted as well as multiple pieces of wood embedded into the ground.

Thunderstorm winds resulted in minor roof and tree damage on N Nobile St in Paulina.

An EF-0 tornado with max winds of 75 MPH touched down briefly in Gramercy, LA starting near Hwy 3125 and continuing northeast. A few homes, along Millet Dr had minor roof damage and most homes in the neighborhood having fence damage. One bumper pull RV was thrown or rolled approximately 100 feet. Debris was noted to be lofted into a field northeast of Millet Dr as well as some splatter seen on the east-northeast side of homes. The tornado is estimated to have ended before US Hwy 61 though it's possible the tornado continued into the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area. The continuation of this path was not supported by radar nor high resolution satellite imagery, and was inaccessible to ground survey.

Thunderstorm winds downed a tree causing additional damage to power pole near intersection of Foy and Dupard.

Thunderstorm wind gusts in Mandeville estimated between 60 and 70 mph.

A strong EF-1 tornado occurred over predominantly inaccessible marshes of Plaquemines Parish. High resolution satellite imagery aided in the identification of damage to marsh vegetation after the tornado caused significant damage to a newly rebuilt camp on an island between Oaks Bayou and Lake Laurier. No ground survey could be performed to review the entirety of the structure's construction. Thus, the damage and wind speed estimates were based on one before and just a few after damage photos emailed to NWS from the home owner. The camp was not Fortified certified, nor was any information given in regards to licensed engineer involvement in its construction. However, many straps can be seen on the camp along floor joists, wall to roof hurricane straps and tension rods in the walls connecting the roof to the floor. All of that points towards a well built home generally speaking. The before photo shows what appears to be a wrap around porch. 3 of the roof overhangs were around 5 feet wide and the 4th overhand was 10 to 20 feet wide. The very wide overhangs were likely the biggest contributing factor to entire roof uplift that occurred. The significant vertical component of winds close to the core of a tornado would have enhanced the wind loads even further on these large overhands for an elevated structure relative to a typical straight line wind event. 4 inch by 4 inch posts connected the roof overhangs with 1/2 inch galvanized bolts. When the roof was uplifted, it took with it all the 4x4 posts as well as the camp staircases. Once the roof was gone, its unsurprising that most of the exterior walls collapse regardless of having tension rods. Other absent important information includes whether doors or windows were impact rated. In consultation with a structural engineer based on the limited information and pictures available, the rating will be 110 MPH unless additional information can be received. Additional damage to the marsh was identified near Hermitage Road with a few trees apparently damaged as well as the tornado weakened and dissipated before reaching the Mississippi River. Satellite analysis may add additional damage points to the southwest of the damaged track so this track may be extended in future updates.

An EF-1 tornado quickly developed near LA Hwy 23, blowing over several power poles before crossing the Mississippi River. Numerous trees were visibly damaged on high resolution satellite imagery across the river with a faint damage path continuing into the marsh thereafter. The end point is estimated by radar and high resolution satellite imagery.

Large tree branches down on Oak Grove Way in Slidell.