Thunderstorm Wind in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana

Hundreds of trees were downed in and around the city of Homer, Louisiana. Wind damage was extensive in Homer, Louisiana with approximately 100 homes suffering minor damage. Approximately 45-50 homes sustained major damage with 15-17 homes completely destroyed. Over 4000 residents were without power with restoration time expected to be some 3 to 5 days. There were no injuries reported for this event. There was also damage to several businesses as well as the local elementary school in Homer, Louisiana. The Region 7 coordinator for Northern Louisiana was called in to access the damage and it was determined that across all of Claiborne Parish for this event, preliminary monetary damage assessment was 5.6 million dollars which covers private and public expenses for damage.

A vigorous upper level disturbance moved southeast out of the Southern Plains and into the the middle Red River valley of Northeast Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Arkansas and Northwest Louisiana during the predawn hours of June 12th. These storms propagated into a linear line of severe thunderstorms and proved to be prolific wind makers as numerous trees were downed across the region. Wind damage was widespread...especially across portions of North Central Louisiana where the linear line of storms took on the distinction of a derecho as they accelerated eastward.