BREAKING NEWS: (5:40PM) A little after 5:00pm a tornado was confirmed to have done damage along Walker Road and Rome Road just east of Jonesboro as a line of severe thunderstorms ripped through Jackson Parish. Additional warnings were issued for the Mt. Olive and Quitman area but no damage has yet to be reported.
Damage to homes and structures has been reported but no injuries noted. Power is out along Hwy 4 east of Jonesboro and trees are down across the areas affected. Also, heavy street flooding is reported in those areas and around Brookshire’s Grocery Store in Jonesboro.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IF YOU ARE IN THESE AREAS AS ROAD CONDITIONS ARE HAZARDOUS. HEAVY RAIN IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE NIGHT.
Additional reports will be posted upon receiving them.
NEW REPORT: (6:20PM) Heavy damage to homes along Gladway Road and Kelly Road, close to the Hebron Cemetery now being reported. Also, trees are down everywhere in the area. STAY AWAY as emergency crews are working to clear obstructions.
NEW REPORT: (6:28PM) Power is out in the Quitman area but no damage reported as of yet.
NEW REPORT: (6:33PM) New tornado warning issued for the Chatham area until 7:15pm. Radar shows rotation in the Walker community area just southwest of Chatham heading toward Chatham and Eros. Also, Flash Flood Warning for Jackson Parish issued to remain in effect until 8:30pm
NEW REPORT: (6:45PM) Tornado rotation shown moving through Mt. Moriah area east of Chatham.
NEW REPORT: (6:48PM) Statement issued by Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office:
Due to extreme weather, we are asking that anyone who does not have an emergency stay off the roads. We have several trees down and water over the roads. We are trying to work to get to houses that are damaged and clear roads.
NEW REPORT: (6:58pm) Bridges on Cedar Street and Tolar Street in Jonesboro are out. STAY AWAY FROM THESE AREAS! Also backup of sewer lines causing flooding in a residence reported on 4th Street in Jonesboro.
NEW REPORT: (7:02PM) Per Chatham Mayor Gregory Harris, no damage in the Chatham area was reported at present but widespread power outage. Recommends all residents to stay in place and not drive until official confirmation of roads being safe.
NEW REPORT: (7:23PM) Brookshire’s Grocery Store in Jonesboro has been flooded. Will be closed until further notice.
NEW REPORT: (7:25PM) Per Jonesboro Mayor James “Spike” Harris if you need sandbags they are available at the Public Works Department building, located at 340 Cedar Street in Jonesboro.
NEW REPORT: (8:33PM) Talbot Street and Cedar Street bridges in Jonesboro reopened.
NEW REPORT (8:39PM) Brookshire’s Manager Nick Walker has reported that the store will be open for business at regular opening time tomorrow – Tuesday, January 3.
NEW REPORT: (8:40PM) Power restored to portions of Hwy 4 East near Jonesboro.
NEW REPORT: (8:42PM) Rome Road cleared but motorists are urged to use extreme caution as trees and power lines are down alongside the road.
NEW REPORT (8:45PM) Bear Knoll Road and Bear Creek Road in Quitman both flooded.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS.
