Overnight Severe Storms Leave Thousands Without Power, Damage in Louisiana and Mississippi
Strong storms that moved through the region late Saturday night, Feb. 14 into early Sunday morning, Feb. 15, left more than 12, 000 electric customers without power and caused scattered damage across parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Emergency crews and local officials began assessing downed lines, fallen trees and property impacts as daylight allowed.
Power outages and downed infrastructure reported
As of 1: 45 a. m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 15, more than 5, 500 customers in Louisiana and more than 6, 500 customers in Mississippi were without electricity. In Mississippi, the bulk of outages were concentrated in Wilkinson and Amite counties. Multiple utility poles and power lines were observed down along Highway 70 near the Sunshine Bridge in Ascension Parish, where crews were mobilized to make repairs.
Images taken overnight and shared by local residents showed at least one downed power pole in Thibodaux and debris scattered across yards. Municipal and parish crews worked through the morning to clear roadways and begin initial repairs, while residents were urged to avoid downed lines and report hazards to local authorities.
Trees, property damage and ongoing surveys
The storms produced numerous falling trees across Tangipahoa Parish, with many reported along Polo Road near Turnpike Road. Additional tree damage was logged in sections of East Feliciana Parish. In the Centreville area of Mississippi, multiple downed trees and property impacts were noted near a local academy, where cleanup efforts began at daybreak.
The National Weather Service plans to conduct a damage survey on Monday, Feb. 16 to determine the character and extent of the overnight impacts. Those assessments will be used to better understand whether any of the damage was associated with isolated tornadic activity or was solely the result of straight-line winds.
Safety reminders and the potential for tornado watches
Severe-weather events of this kind can prompt tornado watches when atmospheric conditions favor rotating storms. Residents in affected parishes and counties were asked to remain alert for additional advisories and to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Officials emphasized basic safety steps: stay away from downed power lines, avoid flooded roads, secure loose outdoor items, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable.
Utility companies worked to restore power as crews assessed damage and prioritized repairs to critical infrastructure. Local emergency managers cautioned that restoration times may vary depending on the severity and accessibility of damage sites.
As damage surveys proceed and restoration efforts continue, residents are encouraged to document impacts to property and share information with local authorities to support recovery operations.
