Overnight Severe Storms Cut Power, Scatter Debris Across Louisiana and Mississippi
Power outages and property damage were reported across parts of Louisiana and southern Mississippi after a line of strong storms moved through late Saturday night, Feb. 14, into the early hours of Sunday, Feb. 15. Utilities crews and local officials began assessing damage and restoring service as daylight allowed, while meteorologists prepared to survey damage paths and remind residents to be ready for tornado watch alerts during volatile weather.
Widespread outages and infrastructure damage
As of 1: 45 a. m. ET on Sunday, more than 5, 500 customers in Louisiana and more than 6, 500 customers in Mississippi were without electricity. The bulk of outages in Mississippi were concentrated in Wilkinson County and Amite County. In several communities crews encountered downed power lines, snapped utility poles and fallen trees that blocked roadways.
Damage was documented in multiple parishes and towns, with notable impacts in Ascension Parish, Tangipahoa Parish and East Feliciana Parish in Louisiana, and in Thibodaux and the Centreville area of Mississippi. In Ascension Parish, downed power lines and damaged utility poles were reported along Highway 70 near the Sunshine Bridge, disrupting traffic and complicating initial restoration efforts.
Neighborhoods in southern Mississippi saw trees toppled onto properties and roads. Observers in the Centreville area captured images of multiple downed trees and damage near a local school. In Thibodaux, photos showed at least one toppled utility pole and yard debris. Tangipahoa Parish officials noted numerous trees down on Polo Road near Turnpike Road, further limiting safe passage for residents and crews.
Surveys, warnings and the threat of tornadoes
Meteorologists planned a damage survey in the Centreville area on Monday, Feb. 16 ET to determine the scope and causes of local damage and to assess whether any tornadic activity occurred within the storm complex. Damage surveys help map wind patterns, track storm intensity and guide any further safety advisories for affected communities.
Forecasters emphasize that rapidly changing setups during severe storms can prompt watches and warnings, including a tornado watch, when atmospheric conditions favor tornado development. Residents in areas affected by strong storms are urged to monitor local alerts, keep multiple ways to receive warnings available, and move to safe shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued for their area.
Short-term recovery and safety steps for residents
Local crews prioritized clearing trees from key roadways and making power lines safe so repairs could begin. Utility companies typically restore service first to critical facilities and areas where repairs will help the greatest number of customers, while individual outages may take longer depending on access and the extent of pole and line damage.
Residents should avoid downed power lines and treat any snapped line as live. If you encounter damaged property, photograph the damage for insurance and recovery purposes once it is safe to do so. Keep generators outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Officials also encouraged motorists to avoid flooded or debris-strewn roads and to check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or require medical support.
As recovery efforts continue, officials will update communities on road closures, restoration timelines and safety guidance. Anyone affected by the storms is advised to document losses and remain alert for follow-up notices from local emergency management offices regarding assistance, sheltering and cleanup operations.
