Numerous strong to severe thunderstorms developed across southwest Louisiana during the afternoon hours on May 26. Over a dozen reports of large hail, damaging winds, and even one tornado were received. Damage totals reached into the millions of dollars, making this the worst severe thunderstorm event for the Spring 2010 season in the WFO Lake Charles county warning area.

Hail in VERNON, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 13:45:00 to 26-MAY-10 13:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: HORNBECK
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Nickel size hail was reported at Hornbeck High School.

Hail in RAPIDES, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:00:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: UNION HILL
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

SKYWARN spotter reported penny size hail near Union Hill.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALCASIEU, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:30:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE CHARLES LAKE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Large tree limbs were blown down in downtown Lake Charles.

Hail in CALCASIEU, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:00:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GILLIS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

KPLC-TV reported hail up to quarter size just north of Moss Bluff.

Thunderstorm Wind in ACADIA, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 16:00:00 to 26-MAY-10 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIRE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported trees blown down two miles northwest of Duson.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON DAVIS, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 16:25:00 to 26-MAY-10 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE ARTHUR
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Jennings Daily News reported several trees were blown down in Lake Arthur, with a power pole knocked down on Evangeline Street. Moderate roof damage also occurred to several structures.

Tornado in CAMERON, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 16:15:00 to 26-MAY-10 16:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAND LAKE LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

KATC-TV reported a tornado southwest of Gueydan, which was confirmed by photos from the public. Based on photos and radar, this EF0 tornado appears to have occurred in the marshes of eastern Cameron Parish. No damage was reported. Location and time of the tornado are estimated.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALCASIEU, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:13:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTLAKE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Lake Charles American Press reported a power pole was blown down at Sampson Street and Mckinley Street in Westlake, knocking out power to 2,389 customers in the city. Several other trees and power lines were blown down in various parts of Westlake.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALCASIEU, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:10:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOUSTON RIVER
Magnitude: 87.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An NWS storm survey found a small but severe microburst struck Westlake High School and adjacent areas in the central part of Westlake. This 200-yard wide by 300-yard long microburst occurred within a larger scale downburst that affected much of the city of Westlake. At the high school, the western one-third of the aluminum metal gymnasium roof was ripped off and blown westward into the adjacent parking lot, overturning one vehicle and damaging three others. A basketball team inside the gymnasium was not injured. The press box on the western side of the football stadium was destroyed, with debris left dangling between nearby light poles and the stands. Across the street, the Westlake Fire Department building received damage to the east side of the building. Because of the damage, all classes at Westlake High School were canceled on May 27, which was to be the last day of school. All damage was blown in a west-southwest direction, with winds estimated around 100 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in CALCASIEU, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:35:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOLMWOOD
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An NWS employee reported a few trees and power lines were blown down along Highway 397 near the intersection with Highway 27.

Hail in LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:40:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIDGE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported penny to quarter size hail in Judice.

Hail in LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:22:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIDGE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

KATC-TV reported dime to quarter size hail in Ridge.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:50:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUSON
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported trees blown down in Duson.

Hail in LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:45:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUSON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter size hail in Duson.

Hail in ACADIA, LOUISIANA
From 26-MAY-10 15:58:00 to 26-MAY-10 15:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHURCH PT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

The public reported quarter size hail in Church Point.