A vigorous upper level trough closed off across the Southwest United States leading up to the outbreak of severe storms and flash flooding across Northwest Louisiana during the late morning hours of March 20th and continuing into the morning hours of March 21st.  While instability was not much of a factor for this event, shear was extensive throughout the atmosphere, especially in the lower levels.  As a result, tornadoes developed in the large rain area that encompassed much of Northern Louisiana.  The flooding was extensive across the northern half of the state as well.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 02:43:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

The Cane River near the Rogue House area has topped the city's retaining wall by a few inches.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 03:39:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAMPTI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

High water was reported on Hwy. 480 near Campti, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in CLAIBORNE, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 03:46:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOMER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

High water was reported on Hwy. 3062 west of Homer, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in LINCOLN, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 05:51:00 to 21-MAR-12 08:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BARNET SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads across the parish were flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 19:40:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAGEWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water covered Old Bethel Church Road and the road was closed.

Flash Flood in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 20:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: PEASON DAM
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water covered Hwy. 118 near the Peason community.

Flash Flood in JACKSON, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 06:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 08:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WYATT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Highway 505 was barricaded and closed due to over a foot of water across the roadway between the communities of Wyatt and Gansville.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 06:05:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELLWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several creeks were out of their banks and Shady Grove Road was flooded east of Hwy. 117.

Flash Flood in BIENVILLE, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 06:08:00 to 21-MAR-12 08:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARCADIA ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous secondary roads have been flooded and closed across the parish.

Flash Flood in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 21:10:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MANY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was covering portions of Hwy. 171 in Many, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 21:10:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NOBLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was covering Old Pleasant Hill Road near Zwolle, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 21:10:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELMONT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was covering Hwy. 175 near Belmont, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 06:40:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Water was completely covering Hwy. 3191 and Texas Street at the Sibley Lake boat launch.  Boat houses on the cane river are flooded and high water was approaching Rogue House in the downtown area.

Flash Flood in CLAIBORNE, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 08:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOMER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

About 10 to 11 roads were barricaded and closed throughout the parish due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood in UNION, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 08:58:00 to 21-MAR-12 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: D ARBONNE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Some parish roads remained flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in RED RIVER, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 21:20:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: COUSHATTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads were flooded all throughout Red River Parish.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 22:38:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Royal, Texas Street underpass, Isadore Street, and Bienville Streets in Natchitoches were all flooded and barricaded.

Flash Flood in BIENVILLE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 22:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIENVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads across Bienville Parish were flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 22:44:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Royal Street at Beaufort Boulevard was flooded and barricaded.

Flash Flood in DE SOTO, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 22:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: STONEWALL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding was reported along parts of Hwy. 3276 between Interstate 49 and Missile Base Road.

Tornado in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 10:36:00 to 20-MAR-12 10:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELMONT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF0 tornado touched down east of Zwolle along Hwy. 1215 in Sabine Parish.  Several trees were snapped and uprooted and a few powerlines were downed.  The weak tornado continued northeast crossing Hwy. 120 near Belmont snapping a few trees and downing a few powerlines before lifting.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 09:51:00 to 21-MAR-12 12:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES MUNI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few homes were evacuated due to flash flooding between Natchitoches and Natchez, Louisiana.  Several parish roads remain flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in WINN, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 10:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 12:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNFIELD JOYCE ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Two roads remain barricaded and closed due to flash flooding across the parish.

Flash Flood in DE SOTO, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 22:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CATUNA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Flooding was reported along WPA road near Hwy. 171 south of Mansfield, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in BOSSIER, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 23:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 07:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ADNER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Bellvue Road and Wafer Road were flooded and closed east of Bossier City, Louisiana.

Tornado in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 20:28:00 to 20-MAR-12 20:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 60.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF0 tornado touched down east of Natchitoches LA near the Cedar Grove Mobile Home Park.  A tree was snapped along Hwy. 494 leading east into the mobile home park.  Three homes sustained damage with one sustaining moderate roof damage.  Debris was scattered east as the tornado crossed a field and lifted.

Tornado in WINN, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 12:16:00 to 20-MAR-12 12:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLDWATER
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado is a continuation of the storm that first touched down in Natchitoches Parish.  An EF0 tornado touched down southeast of Goldonna LA along State Route 156.  Several trees were snapped on both sides of the road and several powerlines were downed.  More trees were downed on railroad tracks east of Hwy. 156.  This tornado was part of several rotational signatures on radar within the warned area.

Tornado in WINN, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 02:14:00 to 21-MAR-12 02:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIKES
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF0 briefly tornado touched down south of Sikes, Louisiana along Hwy. 499.  A few trees were snapped on the west side of the highway near the Parish Road 1134 and Hwy. 499 intersection.  No structures or powerlines were damaged.  The tornado was moving north northeast and lifted in a cleared area before reaching the community of Sikes.

Thunderstorm Wind in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 11:00:00 to 20-MAR-12 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLORIEN
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees and powerlines were downed on Century Road and Plainview Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in SABINE, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 11:15:00 to 20-MAR-12 11:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT CARMEL
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees and powerlines downed in Mount Carmel, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 23:16:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Paula Lane was flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 23:32:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: VOWELLS MILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Cox Lane near Vowells Mills is underwater and flooded.  Department of Transportation has no more barricades to put out across the parish.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 23:51:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHAMROCK MILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Highway 485 off La. Hwy. 6 was flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in WEBSTER, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 00:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 07:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIXIE INN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads were flooded and closed throughout the parish including roads in the outskirts of Minden, north of Dixie Inn, Cotton Valley and near Doyline.

Thunderstorm Wind in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 11:30:00 to 20-MAR-12 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROVENCAL
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were downed on Hwy. 117 near Provencal, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 00:18:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Bossier Street was flooded and closed.

Flash Flood in CLAIBORNE, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 00:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAYNESVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Highway 534 was flooded and closed near Haynesville, Louisiana.

Thunderstorm Wind in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 12:00:00 to 20-MAR-12 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ASHLAND
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were downed on Hwy. 155 near Ashland, Louisiana.

Thunderstorm Wind in WINN, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 12:45:00 to 20-MAR-12 12:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNFIELD JOYCE ARPT
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were downed on Hwy. 156 between Winnfield and Calvin.

Thunderstorm Wind in WINN, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 12:55:00 to 20-MAR-12 12:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: WINNFIELD
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were downed on Hwy. 34 and 1231 converging near Winnfield, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 00:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several reports of flooded vehicles throughout the city.  The Cane River in Downtown Natchitoches was near one inch from topping the retaining wall.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 01:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water was going into homes north of Natchitoches on Michelle Drive.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 14:15:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BERMUDA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water completely covering Hwy. 119 at multiple locations near and south of Natchez, Louisiana.

Thunderstorm Wind in UNION, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 13:15:00 to 20-MAR-12 13:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CANBEAL
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was downed on a house along Peace Road.  There were no report of injuries.

Thunderstorm Wind in UNION, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 14:45:00 to 20-MAR-12 14:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARION
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was down on Hwy. 143 near Rocky Branch blocking both lanes.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 17:05:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: MELROSE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Highway 119 was closed due to flooding south and east of Natchez, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in UNION, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 01:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHILOH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Louisiana Hwy. 2 west of Farmerville was reported to have had 6 to 8 inches of water across the roadway.

Flash Flood in UNION, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 01:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BERNICE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

High water was reported across Hwy. 167 north at Grafton Crossing.

Flash Flood in BOSSIER, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 02:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 07:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKLAND
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

A swift water rescue of a person was made whose pickup truck was washed off Johnson Koran Road near Hwy. 157.  The driver was rescued 40 yards in the woods from the road using a rope and life jacket.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 02:29:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: VOWELLS MILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

High water was reported on Hwy. 117 near the Kisatchie National Forest Ranger Station.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 17:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: POWHATAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Posey Road was flooded and closed along a mile and a half stretch with a few feet of water covering the road in a few locations.

Flash Flood in WINN, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 18:10:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: ATLANTA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Harrington Road off of hwy. 1228 is covered in high water.  Numerous other parish roads across the parish are flooded as well.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 19:40:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water covered Fish Hatchery Road just east of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 19:40:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHITOCHES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Some mobile homes were flooded on Cedar Grove Drive.

Tornado in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 12:15:00 to 20-MAR-12 12:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOLDONNA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF0 tornado touched down southeast of Goldonna LA along State Route 156.  Several trees were snapped on both sides of the road and several powerlines were downed.  More trees were downed on railroad tracks east of Hwy. 156.  This tornado was part of several rotational signatures on radar within the warned area.  This tornado crossed the Saline Bayou and continued into Winn Parish.

Tornado in CALDWELL, LOUISIANA
From 21-MAR-12 07:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 07:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRAYSON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF1 tornado touched down in Caldwell Parish west of Grayson along State Route 845 snapping a few trees.  The tornado moved north-northwest and intensified to EF1 intensity as it crossed Hwy. 126 and paralleled McCrary Road where most of the damage occurred.  20 homes were damaged and 1 mobile home was destroyed.  The majority of the damage was due to falling trees as the area contained numerous large hardwood and softwood trees which were snapped or uprooted.  Several outbuildings and sheds were also destroyed, primarily from falling trees.  Other damage occurred to homes and structures along Hwy. 165 in Columbia area was due to straight line winds or rear flank winds east of the tornado track.

Thunderstorm Wind in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 11:15:00 to 20-MAR-12 11:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARTHAVILLE
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were downed on Hwy. 487 near Marthaville, Louisiana.

Flash Flood in NATCHITOCHES, LOUISIANA
From 20-MAR-12 20:58:00 to 21-MAR-12 05:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROVENCAL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A 20 foot span of water was reported to be over Hwy. 117 between Bellwood and Provencal.