The Mayor's Corner

Catastrophic Tornadoes Shake Our City, But Won’t Break Our Will

Easter Sunday 2020 will be one we will always remember. Crumbled brick, crushed cars and mangled wires are just mere representations of the hundreds of families whose lives have been forever altered.

It has now been confirmed by the National Weather Service that three tornadoes struck Ouachita Parish on Sunday, April 12. Two of the tornadoes touched down in north Ouachita Parish in Sterlington; and, the third and most powerful tornado (an E-F3 with an estimated wind speed of 140 mph) touched down in Bawcomville on an estimated 8-mile track across the Ouachita River through south Monroe (South Grand through the Numbered Streets & West Parkview across I-20 and Hwy 165) into east Monroe (Byers Estates and the Booker T. Community).

As we reflect upon the historical significance of Easter Sunday, we lean on our faith and remember the power of our risen savior. Ironically, or perhaps, serendipitously, as we see pictures and videos of homes, businesses, and neighborhoods buried under debris, tangled power lines and trees – our faith will not waiver. By the grace of God, reports show only a few minor injuries were suffered. Please pray for our city! Many of our neighbors and friends have suffered catastrophic damage. We are hurting; but we are not broken. Times like this remind us that we are stronger together!

Entergy has called in more than 100 crew members and over 50 trucks. They have made a lot of progress and continue working hard to remove, replace and/or repair the downed wires and poles in order to restore power to the thousands of Monroe and Ouachita Parish residents, hopefully, by the end of this week. Monroe Public Works personnel and some volunteer groups will them come behind them to remove limbs and debris from roads and the right-of-way. Monroe Police mobile command centers are positioned near Riverside Baptist Church, in Booker T, and at Carver Elementary School. An MPD Sky Tower is positioned in the Byers Estate neighborhood. Monroe Fire, Police, and other city personnel continue working, around the clock, to respond to emergency needs, distribute food & water, and connect residents with much needed resources. Officials in Ouachita Parish and West Monroe are doing the same.

I want to extend heartfelt thanks for the support we are receiving from so many business, restaurant, faith-based, non-profit, municipal, state, federal, military, and volunteer individuals, groups, and agencies. We the prayers for our city from those around the world! God is still good. He has given us comfort through His word. And, He has given us one another. Together, we are responding. Together, we will rebuild. We are Monroe Proud! We are Monroe Strong! We are Ouachita Strong!