Large tornado tears through small town outside Kentwood; no injuries reported

EAST FORK, La. (WVUE) - A line of severe thunderstorms with the potential for tornadic activity spawned at least one confirmed tornado outside of Kentwood near the Louisiana-Mississippi state line.

After a relatively quiet but gusty morning, the Storm Prediction Center issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Watch for the entire North Shore and River Parishes around 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

A Tornado Warning was issued around 12:15 p.m. for areas near Kentwood and northern Tangipahoa Parish along Hwy. 51. A radar-confirmed “large and dangerous” tornado was reported between Kentwood, La., headed towards Osyka, Miss.

Residents in East Fork, just outside of Kentwood, reported widespread damage after a tornado touched down in the area.

Eileen Coutrer described the terrifying moments as the storm moved in.

Coutrer said she and her husband got a tornado warning alert on their phones and immediately took it seriously. As the wind intensified, her husband looked outside and quickly realized the situation was dire. Moments later, the air pressure changed dramatically inside their home.

“I felt the air just suck right out of our house, and everything changed from that second forward,” Coutre said. “All I could think was, ‘Dear God, please save our lives.’”

After the storm passed, Coutrer stepped outside to survey the destruction. The damage was extensive, particularly to mobile homes in the area. She described double-wide trailers split in half, roofs ripped off, and debris scattered through pine trees.

At her home, a tree crashed onto the roof and another destroyed a vehicle in her carport. Other vehicles were damaged by flying debris and the roof of her husband’s motorcycle shed was torn away.

“All we can do is pray that God keeps us safe,” she said. “You never know where these things are going to pop up.”

Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker says the destruction is “severe,” with multiple homes and structures damaged, widespread power outages, and significant debris making access difficult.

Despite the extensive damage, no injuries have been reported.

As for the path of destruction, officials say the tornado moved from southwest to northeast, cutting across the rural community. The full extent of the damage is still being determined, but estimates suggest at least 20 structures have been impacted.

Tangipahoa Parish President Robbie Miller echoed the relief that everyone is accounted for.

“This community pulls together,” Miller said. “Neighbors are checking on each other, making sure everyone is okay. Some people have lost everything, but we’re grateful there were no injuries.”

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This mess clears us by Saturday night and Sunday is looking like a beautiful weather day. Highs fall back to around 70 with a cool breeze blowing in.

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