US: Tornado watch in place across counties in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi states April 12

Event

The US National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch for counties in southeastern Arkansas, northeastern Louisiana, and northern and central Mississippi on Sunday, April 12. The watch will stay in effect until 20:00 (local time) on Sunday. Widespread power outages have been reported across Mississippi and Louisiana as of Sunday evening, and dozens of homes were reportedly damaged in Monroe (Louisiana state) after a tornado swept through the area during the morning hours. Significant damage was also reported at Monroe Regional Airport (MLU), and all flight operations have been suspended until further notice.

Further infrastructure damage and associated disruptions are expected in the coming hours.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated transportation disruptions, and take appropriate precautions. The safest place to be in a building in the event of a tornado is in the basement or ground floor, or in an interior hallway or stairwell. Avoid doors, windows, and walls. If a tornado is approaching, crouch face down as low as possible to the floor and cover your head with your hands, or a mattress if possible, to protect your head from falling debris.