Spring thunderstorms raked across Marion County last night soaking residents with heavy rain while the Western end of the county also suffered tornados.
Widespread rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches have already fallen across portions of the region through 2:40 a.m. this morning according to the National Weather Service out of Shreveport. Additional rainfall of 2-4 inches is expected through the afternoon.
Details are few yet on the extent of the damage in Ore City and Lone Star, but a number of homes were damaged including the homes of Mary Spearmon and Rabbi Linda Guiterrez. Spearmon, who lives in Lone Star, had the roof torn off her home, and Guiterez’s home, in Ore City, was “hit very bad” according to reports. Neither the Spearmon or Guiterrez or their family were hurt.
Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur announced a Disaster Declaration early Tuesday morning. The declaration continues for seven days unless renewed by the Commissioners Court.
Upshur Rural Electric advised people not to drive the area of Bob White Road, south of 154, due to extensive damage and power lines being down.
According to LaFleur, no fatalities had been reported in either Marion or Upshur Counties as of noon Tuesday.
“This type of event hurts us all,” said Jimplecute co-publisher Hugh Lewis. “But, now is the time for us, the residents of Marion County, to do what we do best — come together and help our neighbors.”
Lewis continued that if anyone knows of those affected by the storms to please let the Jimplecute know so a list can be compiled to help as many as possible, as quickly as possible. Lewis asked that responses be posted to the JImplecute’s FaceBook version of this story or email the paper directly at jeffersonjimplecute@gmail.com.
This is a developing story and the Jimplecute will update as more information becomes available.