V. Hugh Lewis/Jefferson Jimplecute
A record number of tornado warnings were issued by the National Weather Service in Shreveport, but Jefferson and Marion County missed the worst of the storms produced by Hurricane Beryl this week.
NWS issued 67 torando warnings between 12:19p and 8:20p Monday and had not confirmed any tornadoes as of Tuesday as they are still working through the storm data. Radar observations saw several however.
Wind gusts of 40-50mph were recorded across the region and 4-6 inches of rain was reported.
Panola, Harrison and Rusk counties saw the brunt of the damage, with Marion County only reporting isolated power outages and downed trees.
“We prepared for the worst, and didn’t get near what was predicted,” Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur said. “God’s mercy was abundant and we are very thankful.”
LaFleur issued a local disaster declaration on Sunday ahead of the storm to help residents with recovery efforts. Acting Governor Dan Patrick included Marion County in his state disaster declaration on Saturday. Patrick is acting governor as Governor Gregg Abbott is out of the country. President Biden declared a national disaster area, which covers debris and emergency protective measures through FEMA, on Tuesday once Patrick’s offices could be reached.
Those experiencing damage should report it to Texas Department of Emergency Management at damage.tdem.texas.gov.
The eye of the storm passed just east of Jefferson.