THE MAJOR TORNADO OUTBREAK ACROSS SOUTHEAST TEXAS AND SOUTHERN LOUISIANA - STORM ASSESSMENT
 

Robert B. Darby  &  Raymond J. Sondag *

Weather Forecast Office
Lake Charles, Louisiana

HAYES TORNADO

WSR-88D Radar Images - Base Reflectivity and Storm Relative Velocity Products:

0231 AM - KLCH - Four panel base reflectivity product
0231 AM - KLCH - Four panel storm relative velocity product
0237 AM - KPOE - Four panel base reflectivity product
0237 AM - KPOE - Four panel storm relative velocity product
0241 AM - KLCH - Four panel base reflectivity product
0241 AM - KLCH - Four panel storm relative velocity product

Tornado Damage:

The tornado that hit the community of Hayes in far eastern Calcasieu Parish also formed from a rotating thunderstorm that moved northeast out of Cameron Parish. It was like several of the tornadic thunderstorms that night, developing ahead of the squall line that was located further to the west. The tornado hit the southeast side of Hayes at approximately 231 AM CST. Several residents in the area reported hearing a "roaring sound", similar to a freight train. The tornado completely destroyed one home and damaged several rice driers. A couple were treated and released at a nearby hospital for minor injuries.

The most amazing damage occurred when the tornado completely picked up one home intact and moved it 75 yards from its original location. The first two pictures below show the displaced home and the foundation where the house was previously located. Seven people were in the home when the tornado hit. Amazingly, they were not injured.

Home picked up and displaced 75 yards (foundation in foreground).

Aerial view of home and foundation.

Aerial view of another home completely destroyed to the foundation.

Structural damage to rice driers. Numerous trees down near area.