Two people were killed when a tornado tore through the town of Ruston, and the Louisiana Tech University campus at around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday.
“It’s bad; real bad,” Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker said. “We took a direct hit.”
Significant tornado damage in Ruston, Louisiana. @MyArkLaMiss @jarodfloyd @ReidLybarger @BrianBriggsWX pic.twitter.com/jzvmW49JPd
— Andy Pederson (@AndyXPederson) April 25, 2019
According to Lincoln Parish Sheriff Mike Stone, the fatalities occurred in a house near I-20. The bodies have not yet been recovered, as it’s currently too dangerous.
“I’ve never seen it this bad in my 43 years, Stone said. “It’s tragic, and it’s going to be a while before we can get all this cleaned up.”
More tornado damage pics from Ruston, LA. @MyArkLaMiss @jarodfloyd @BrianBriggsWX @ReidLybarger @NBC6News pic.twitter.com/B7XE4bCsy5
— Andy Pederson (@AndyXPederson) April 25, 2019
The majority of the damage occurred in the Cypress Springs subdivision south of Interstate 20 and along Tech drive, though there is damage throughout the city. Louisiana Tech University has closed the campus for the day due to damage there as well. According to Louisiana Tech President Les Guice, there is extensive damage to the schools’ baseball and softball fields, and several trees are down at Hale and Keeney halls. There are also power lines down on campus.
Louisiana Tech University is closed today, April 25, as the result of a tornado. The storm traveled through the Ruston campus on Wednesday night, April 24.
No students on campus were injured,
— Louisiana Tech University (@LATech) April 25, 2019
“We’re still assessing the damage,” Guice said.
#LATech’s softball stadium got hit hard. Awful stuff… @LATechSB @LATechSports pic.twitter.com/yU0E9SGVVR
— Cory Diaz (@ByCoryDiaz) April 25, 2019
According to Governor John Bel Edwards, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana State Police, and the National Guard are on scene assisting in the response. The Governor himself will travel there later today.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Ruston this morning, especially the families of those who were killed in the tornado,” Edwards said. “I encourage all Louisianans not only to pray for and support the people of Ruston in the aftermath of this tragedy but also to prepare for bad weather as it comes through the state.”
That was the Parish Press coffeehouse in #RustonLA It was damaged along with several other businesses, homes, and apartments in the area. @MyArkLaMiss pic.twitter.com/3tllxqjWP0
— Andy Pederson (@AndyXPederson) April 25, 2019
Thunderstorms are expected across the Ark/La/Miss region today. In New Orleans, there is a potential for heavy rain, which could lead to street flooding. If you haven’t already, sign up for NOLA Ready weather alerts here.
Jenn Bentley is a writer and editor originally from Cadiz, Kentucky. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Examiner, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, and others. When she’s not writing or editing, Jenn spends her time raising money for Extra Life and advocating for autism awareness.
