Tornado victims identified, and plans for further searching

The Caddo Coroner's Office on Wednesday morning identified the victims as Yoshiko A. Smith, 30, and Nikolus Little, 8. Little was found in a wooded area at 10:55 p.m. Tuesday, while his mother's body was found under storm debris at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. Deputies said the damage is in the area of Lareta Street in Keithville's Pecan Farms. That's where a radar-indicated tornado touched down as a storm cell entered Louisiana from east Texas and raced to the northeast. "He had to show us where the house used to be, Sheriff Steve Prator said of the man whose wife and child were in the house. Prator estimates 20 or more houses were severely damaged. But he said that number could change as they assess the area. "There are pads where houses used to be and we're looking for the house," Prator said. Deputies are going house-by-house checking for any occupants. Cadaver dogs also will be used in the search, as well as a drone that will use a heat-detecting device to locate any individuals who may be trapped in the strewn debris. Search teams are having to maneuver through downed electrical lines and trees, Prator said. Anyone with damage to their home from the storm in Caddo Parish should seek help from the American Red Cross at 800-RED-CROSS.