Tornado destroys South Elton Court homes

A EF-2 tornado touched down in Lake Charles Wednesday morning, destroying homes east of McNeese State University.

National Weather Service Office of Lake Charles Meterologist Donald Jones said the tornado hit from 6:38 a.m. to 6:42 a.m. with maximum winds of 155 mph, a max width of 250 yards and was on the ground for just over a mile.

“The tornado touched down near Vernon Road on the eastern side of McNeese State University and crossed Common, Center, Harvard and Kirkman streets before moving into the Moss Memorial Health Complex causing damage to roofing,” Jones said. “The tornado continued across Louisiana Avenue, where it further intensified destroying the roofs of several homes along Elton Court while also causing widespread tree and electrical damage.”

Jones said the tornado weakened as it crossed Brentwood Lane before dissipating just east of Walton Street.

For residents on South Elton Court, the tornado left disaster in its wake. The closed-in community off of South Louisiana Avenue was victim to downed telephone poles, ripped roofs, and — for some — totaled homes.

District F Council member Craig Marks, who went out to survey the damage, asked residents to steer clear of the area while officials work to survey the damages and clear debris.

“We’re asking residents or any individuals to stay out for the time being because it’s very congested back here with the power lines being down and the damages to the houses.”

He confirmed that N. Elton Court was OK, and there have been no notifications of death or injuries.

“That’s the blessing in it,” he said.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said the levels of disaster and damage were reminiscent of a hurricane, but isolated to one area.

“Unfortunately it was a little bit of PTSD for that neighborhood, and I feel for them,” Hunter said. “I know that so many of those individuals have been through so much, and my heart just hurts for them to have to go through something like this again.”

He said he cannot officially confirm how many homes were severely affected, but his best estimate is 10 houses.

Both Hunter and Marks said those in need of assistance can contact United Way of Southwest Louisiana by dialing 211. Those who wish to assist or donate to homeowners affected by the tornado can contact United Wa,y as well.

“One of the greatest attributes of this community is how we come together in the aftermath of disaster, and I know that this community will do the same. I expect people to come together to help their neighbors,” Hunter said.

SportsPlus

McNeese Sports

SLC games set for McNeese

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls look for four-peat

Local News

UPDATE: Drug charges against veterinarian cleared of rape dropped

Local News

Cassidy, Senate committee advances Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nomination to be health secretary

Business

Waffle House adds surcharge to eggs as massive bird flu outbreak leads to soaring prices

Local News

Federal judge blocks enforcement of La. police ‘buffer-zone’ law

Local News

Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance opens new offices

Local News

NY shields abortion pill prescribers after doctor indicted in La.

McNeese Sports

Cowboys win by a tick

Business

Wall Street swerves lower after Trump announces tariffs and then puts some on hold

Local News

A heart for kids: New Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO driven to help others

McNeese Sports

Hot-shooting Nicholls guns down Pokes

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls struggle early, fall to Nicholls

Informer

The Informer: Floods followed in wake of 1940 Gulf Coast storm

Business

Economic advisor: Collaboration, focus on workforce development key

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Professor back in classroom

life

String theory: Thompson rediscovers her art voice in fabrics

Local News

Qualifying ends, ballots set for March election

Crime

1/31: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

life

Southwest District Livestock Show: Time again to hit the dirt

Crime

Former veterinarian found not guilty in rape of young girls at Kinder casino

McNeese Sports

Cowboys end road trip at Nicholls

Local News

UPDATE: La. fourth-graders in the top five in nation for math growth

Local News

Mercedes Lartigue-Sinegal: ‘I find fulfillment in helping students develop their knowledge and skills’