County under Valentines Day Tornado Watch, Severe Thunderstorm Warning

The National Weather Service in Shreveport has issued a tornado watch for Cherokee County until 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, along with a severe thunderstorm warning for Central Cherokee County until  4:45 p.m. Saturday. 
According to NWS officials, "At 4:03 p.m., severe thunderstorms were located along a line from 6 miles east of Jacksonville to 8 miles southwest of Morrill, or
along a line from 6 miles east of Jacksonville to 18 miles south of Rusk, moving east at 30 mph."
Wind gusts of up to 60 MPH are predicted, with residents warned to expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees in the following areas of the county: Jacksonville, Rusk, Alto, Wells, Ponta, Forest, New Summerfield, Gallatin, Reklaw and Linwood.
Residents hare advised to seek shelter inside a well-built structure and stay away from windows, as the storms are capable of producing damaging winds, according to officials.
Additionally, "intense thunderstorm lines can produce brief tornadoes and widespread significant wind damage. Although a tornado is not immediately likely, it is best to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. These storms may cause serious injury and significant property damage," officials said. .