This photo was taken at a home near downtown Lake Charles about 10:30 p.m. Friday night. There was so much lightning it lit up the sky. (Michelle Higginbotham / Special to the American Press)
Update: 14,000 without power, Civic Center suffers minor damage
Last Modified: Sunday, July 22, 2012 7:19 PM
From staff reports
A line of thunderstorms that pummeled Southwest Louisiana Friday evening caused damage and power outages.
Entergy spokesman Chip Arnould reported that 14,000 were without power in Southwest Louisiana. He said most of those power outages were in Calcasieu Parish, with the rest in Jeff Davis and Cameron parishes.
Arnould said it would be at least into the morning before all power is restored. Residents in South Lake Charles and were told that power would not be restored until 6 a.m. Saturday.
At 9:30 p.m., the National Weather Service in Lake Charles issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the Lake Area. The NWS said the storm was approaching from the east and had the potential for heavy rains, damaging winds and dangerous lightning.
Winds blew a large retractable door off its hinges on the north end of the Civic Center. The opening allowed wind to blow down part of the stage during the dress rehearsal for the annual Gridiron Show, produced by the Ad and Press Club of Southwest Louisana. The show was halted near its end and did not resume.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office said it added 10 deputies to patrol Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Sgt. James Anderson, state police spokesman for Troop D, said troopers were dealing with reports of numerous downed trees Friday, but there were no reports of injuries.
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