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PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SHREVEPORT LA
802 AM CDT Wed Oct 15 2025

...Public Information Statement...

...Louisiana Severe Weather Awareness Week Continues...

With the start of the 2025-2026 severe weather season fast
approaching, the National Weather Service has partnered with the
Louisiana Governor`s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency
Preparedness to designate the week of October 13th through October
18th as Louisiana Severe Weather Awareness Week. This is a safety
campaign designed to help residents in the State of Louisiana
prepare for the upcoming severe weather season. Even if you don`t
live or work in Louisiana, this is a good time for people anywhere
in the Four State Region of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas
to learn about severe weather safety and review their severe weather
safety plans. During this week, the National Weather Service will
review the most important aspects of severe weather, and highlight
safety rules. A special public information statement will be issued
each day, along with various social media posts.

Todays topic is...Tornadoes.

Tornadoes are one of natures most violent storms. In an average
year, about 1000 tornadoes are reported across the United States,
resulting in 85 deaths and over 1500 injuries. A tornado is a
violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to
the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous
destruction, with wind speeds of 250 mph or more. Damage paths can
exceed a mile in width and 50 miles in length.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in our Four State Region, and at any
time of the year. Typically, peak tornado season is during the
months of March through June, with nearly 70 percent of all
tornadoes occurring during this time period. April is the single
most active tornado producing month in our region. However, every
year is different. Landfalling tropical cyclones can bring large
tornado outbreaks to our area during the summer and fall, such as
what happened with Hurricane Beryl in July 2024.

Tornadoes can travel at over 50 mph, and can destroy a building in a
few seconds. Therefore, it is important to know the safety rules for
surviving a tornado.

When inside homes and small buildings, you should go to the basement
or the lowest level of the building. If no basement is available, go
to a closet, bathroom or an interior hallway away from any windows.
Protect yourself from flying debris with thick blankets, pillows,
cushions, sleeping bags or mattresses.

When at schools, hospitals, factories or shopping malls, go to the
designated shelter areas, usually an interior hallway on the lowest
floor level. Always stay away from windows. Kneel on the floor
against the wall and place hands over your head to provide some
protection for your head.

When in mobile homes or portable buildings, leave these structures
and go inside a strong building for shelter. If there is no shelter
nearby, get into the nearest ditch or depression. Lie flat with your
hands shielding your head.

When in a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive away from
the tornado or to the closest sturdy shelter. If there is no shelter
nearby, you have the following options, stay in the car with your
seat belt on, putting your head below windows, and covering your
head with your hands or blankets if possible, or exit the car and
get into a ditch or low-lying area.

Planning ahead and knowing the safety rules is essential in being
prepared when a tornado strikes.


$$