At least four tornadoes touched down in Louisiana late Tuesday morning, destroying homes and businesses and injuring residents. Warnings remained in effect for large swaths of Louisiana as well as parts of Alabama and Mississippi Tuesday afternoon. An estimated 2.7 million people in parts of the three states were at the highest risk for severe weather, according to the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.
One tornado touched down in New Orleans East, ripping apart buildings. Another touched down near Donaldsville, Louisiana, while another hit the town of Killian, Louisiana, according to the National Weather Service.
The number of injuries as a result of the storms remains unclear, but photos and videos poured into social media showing the devastation. In Livingston Parish, at least two homes were completely destroyed and at least seven were damaged, according to emergency management officials. Severe damage was reported in Crowder, Chef Menteur and Downman Road. NASA’s Michoud Facility, an 832-acre site in New Orleans, was also reportedly damaged as a storm passed through. Heavy rain and hail were reported in additional to severe winds, and downed powerlines and trees blocked several roadways.
The tornado warning was extended to 1:00 p.m. CST as a command post was being set up in New Orleans East. The Red Cross was mobilized to help damaged areas as well, according to the Associated Press.
“TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows,” read the National Weather Service alert. “If you are outdoors or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.”
The tornadoes were part of a broad patch of bad weather making its way from east to west across the south.
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