NEW ORLEANS - A series of apparent tornadoes cut across south Louisiana leaving devastation in its path, including in rarely-hit parts of New Orleans.
Governor John Bel Edwards declared a State of Emergency in Ascension, Livingston, Orleans, St. James, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parish. He said that at least six tornadoes touched down across the area.
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"I am heartbroken to once again see Louisiana families suffering in the wake of devastating tornadoes today," said Gov. Edwards. "We are working tirelessly to ensure that every citizen affected by this storm receives the resources they need as quickly as possible."
Dozens of homes, cars and businesses were damaged but there was no early word on serious injuries or deaths.according to New Orleans East Hospital, there were 25 total injuries
The threat of the storms escalated quickly from a low chance of rain early in the week to a slight chance of severe weather forecast Monday to an enhanced risk of severe weather. No one was quite prepared for the multiple reports of tornadoes touching down.
As of 11 a.m. local time Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, north of New Orleans, was closed by the severe weather. Nearby, one of the first tornadoes touched down and caused widespread damage.
As of noon the National Weather Service warned the severe weather was moving over Laplace, which is about 30 miles northwest of the New Orleans city center. Warnings remained in effect for the region with a total of five to six tornadoes reported.
A command post was being set up in New Orleans East where some of the worst damage occurred
WWL-TV reports much of the metro area stayed indoors as heavy rains, wind and hail raced through the area earlier in the morning. The National Weather Service will have to verify that the damage, did in fact, come from tornadoes. To many of those who suffered damage, the naming won't really matter.
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