Monday’s tornado outbreak that spanned the state and into Mississippi is to blame for at least one fatality in Vernon Parish and widespread damage and utility outages. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says just in the initial review of the havoc, his area has a long path to recovery.
“It will not be an overnight or a week process. It will take some time,” said Craft.
The deceased has been identified as 59-year-old Betty Patin. She was in a mobile home at the time of the storm. The tornado started in the DeRidder area and cut a 63-mile path to Alexandria.
“We’ve got several homes that have got some damage and we are still trying to clear roadways to assess that. No injuries reported at this time,” said Beauregard Parish GOHSEP Deputy Director Scott Greenmun.
Rapides Parish GOHSEP Director Sonya Wiley-Gremillion says they are doing what they can to make sure everyone has shelter following the storm.
“Our office and the Red Cross will do everything that we can to assist them, should they need somewhere to stay, if they don’t have friends or family they can stay with, if there homes are uninhabitable,” said Wiley-Gremillion.
Governor Edwards says he’s praying for those that were in harm’s way.
“We are receiving various reports of damages across central Louisiana. It appears that one fatality has been confirmed by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office. Certainly, we are praying for that family,” said Edwards.
Early estimates indicate the total number of twisters is around 18.
Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Cravens, La. Photo credit Joni Lane West
Posted by Vernon Parish Sheriff Dept on Monday, December 16, 2019
