V Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
A fast moving severe thunderstorm ran through downtown Jefferson last Wednesday, June 26, tearing off roofs and shutting off power for about 11 hours.
Several residents state they saw the tail of a funnel cloud, yet National Weather Service only recorded winds of 43mph in Marshall and 63mph at Shreveport Regional Airport.
In Jefferson, the roof over Dr. Douglas’ old hospital on the corner of Walnut and Austin streets was rolled up and onto the streets, taking out several telephone poles, and landing on several vehicles. Family Dollar on US59 also had part of their roof removed. The Jefferson Historical Museum saw the chimney caps taken off.
Despite being in the middle of lunch, with numerous tourists and locals present, there were no physical injuries.
A crew from Upshur Rural was in town for lunch, and while unable to work on SWEPCO lines, they assisted Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur in identifying live lines so appropriate barricades could be setup. SWEPCO was on scene within 30 minutes to start repair work with service being restored around 11p.
Businesses were back open on Thursday.
Jimplecute photos by V Hugh Lewis and Courtesy Photos provided of Family Dollar and museum