Search and rescue crews in New Orleans and surrounding areas are sorting through debris and damage Wednesday morning (March 23) after deadly tornadoes ripped through the area, leaving thousands without power.
The tornado killed at least one person and heavily damaged in St. Bernard Parish's Arabi neighborhood, Parish President Guy McInnis told CNN.
"We have some homes that were leveled. We have homes that were lifted up and put back down on the street," McInnis told the outlet. "The area that I've seen tonight, it's totally devastated in a few of our neighborhoods." Some residents are seeking treatment for injuries, McInnis said.
The storms touched down Tuesday evening (March 22) in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward and the New Orleans East area shortly before 8 p.m., New Orleans Latoya Cantrell said. There have so far been no reports of casualties or severe damage to Orleans Parish.
The National Weather Service reported on Twitter another twister touched down in Lacombe located across Lake Pontchartrain. No casualties or significant damage to homes was reported in the area, though some residents were left without power.
Several schools are closing for Wednesday (March 23) while New Orleans emergency services are setting up to help neighboring areas.
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