Severe Storms Cause Damage Around Louisiana

A strong cold front pushed through Louisiana Monday afternoon and evening leaving downed trees and power lines across the state. There was even a report of possible tornado in the Monroe area. Much of Ouchita Parish was without power Monday afternoon in the wake of the storm. This led to the shuttering of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Officials in Monroe say that the university will reopen Tuesday morning at 7:30 and that classes will resume at 11:30am. This will give university officials time to asses any other damage that may have occurred. It will also give crews the opportunity to clean up any debris left by the storm.

Residents in Acadiana were not treated nearly as badly as those that live in the I-20 corridor. Much of the weather around Acadiana moved in just as school was letting out and the afternoon drive was about to begin. Gusty winds and heavy rains made driving very difficult across the area during the height of the storm. There were reports of minor street flooding but that quickly subsided as the  rains began to taper off.

The forecast for the rest of the work week is our reward for a day of stormy weather. Skies will be mostly sunny and temperatures will be in the upper 70's for afternoon maximums. The overnight low temperature for the Lafayette area is expected to be near 50 degrees.