HOLDEN — A National Weather Service survey team has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado left a path of destruction through parts of Holden and Springfield on Monday morning.
The tornado, with winds reaching at least 75 mph, carved a three-mile path from the Tickfaw River and Florida Blvd. to just south of the Holden exit on I-12. The survey team reports that the tornado touched down near Lard Rd. and Florida Blvd.
This area of Livingston Parish is primarily rural, and most of the damage appears to be limited to wooded areas. However, the survey team noted that a small number of homes sustained damage.
A line of severe storms swept through Baton Rouge early Monday morning, triggering multiple tornado warnings, including in Holden, where the confirmed tornado touched down. The storms also disrupted the morning commute, prompting many schools to delay their start times and excuse late arrivals due to hazardous weather. Zachary Community Schools canceled classes altogether, though some students were already en route when the district made its decision.
Live Oak Middle School in Livingston Parish was struck by lightning, causing power and internet outages. It took several hours before the school was fully operational again, according to district officials.
A lightning strike is also suspected of igniting a massive fire at an oil tank facility in Pointe Coupee Parish. Officials believe the fire spread to a second tank, and it took several hours to bring the blaze under control. While directing traffic near the fire site on U.S. 190, a Pointe Coupee Sheriff’s deputy was struck by a vehicle.
MORE: Deputy struck by vehicle while directing traffic near where massive oil tank fire occurred
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