Tornadoes, Heavy Rains Hit Northwest Lousiana Killing 1, Leaving Thousands Without Power

October 30, 2009 8:02 a.m. EST

Shreveport, LA (AHN) - Tornadoes and strong rain storms struck northwest Louisiana Thursday night resulting in the death of one man, extensive property damage, power outage to thousands and rainfall that is threatening more havoc because of rising waterways.

An unidentified 20-year-old man was reportedly killed when his car hit a downed tree on a dark and windy road Thursday night.

Some buildings lost roofs or sustained damage. And around 20,000 customers were without power after the storms downed power lines across the northwest portion of the state with people in Shreveport, Bossier City, Haughton, Plain Dealing and Vivian affected. Officials reportedly expect power to be restored to most customers by 5 p.m. Friday.

Rain from the storms caused the already swollen Red River to rise further with weather officials predicting it will rise to 29 feet again, which is near flood stage.