PINEVILLE, La. – (4:30 p.m.) – This afternoon, multiple tornadoes were reported across central Louisiana, and the threat for storms and tornadic activity continues into the evening. 

“Severe thunderstorms, including the threat of strong tornadoes, will continue through this evening across Cleco’s central Louisiana service territory,” said James Lass, general manager of distribution operations and emergency management.  “Our priority is the safety of our crews, communities and customers.  Right now, crews are clearing debris and cleaning up unsafe electrical situations.  We remind our customers to stay away from downed power lines and to call 911 and Cleco at 1-800-622-6537 to report an unsafe electrical situation.”

As of 4 p.m., Cleco had over 9,000 central Louisiana customers without power as a result of the storms.