Thursday evening storms cause damage, no injuries

Storms late Thursday caused damage to 12 to 15 homes, outdoor kitchens and other structures around Vidrine and Tiger Lane, and caused a tree to fall on a home east of Vidrine on Vidrine Road, trapping a family of four.
Liz Hill, director of the Evangeline Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, said that call came in about 8:45 p.m. Thursday. A fire/rescue crew had to free the two adults and two children. There were no reported injuries during the storms.
Hill said five to eight utility poles also were blown over during the storm. The storm resulted in 1,030 power outages in the Vidrine, Mamou and Belaire Cove areas.
The National Weather Service confirmed Friday afternoon that a tornado caused the bulk of the damage in the Vidrine community.
Hill said weather-related damage can occur “pretty much year ‘round,” and not just during hurricane season, which begins June 1. Between now and then, the change from cool to warmer temperatures can cause storms to form, she said.
Already this year, the parish has had two ice storms, and the heavy snow that fell north of Louisiana could bring flooding to the state later.
Hill advised people to visit the state’s web site -- getagameplan.org -- to find out how they can prepare for damaging weather conditions.