Confirmed tornadoes and severe weather ripped through New Orleans and the surrounding area causing major damage to home and businesses.The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for areas in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and upper Plaquemines parishes until 12:45 p.m..A large tornado touched down in New Orleans east along Interstate 10 and Chef Menteur Highway.Major damage is reported to homes and structures on Crowder Boulevard to Read Boulevard between Dwyer Road and Chef Menteur Highway in New Orleans East.There are also reports that NASA Michoud Assembly Facility took a direct hit.Over 10,000 customers are without power in several areas of the city and surrounding area.At 10:52 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Metairie, moving east at 35 mph.Delgado Community College students, faculty and staff are being ordered to remain in place until the severe weather passes.
There are reports of dime-sized hail in St. Charles Parish.There are reports for 50 mph winds near Lakefront Airport and a tornado warning has been issued for Gentilly until 11:45 a.m.A man in the area of White Street and Severn Avenue in Metairie reported trees down, trash cans and debris are scattered around the neighborhood.The man also reported minor roof damage to some homes.Flying debris could be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed.Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.Locations impacted include New Orleans, East New Orleans, Metairie, Chalmette, Avondale, Jefferson, Harahan, Westwego, Elmwood, River Ridge, Waggaman, Bridge City, Arabi, New Orleans Armstrong Airport and Lakefront Airport.Areas include parts of Destrehan, Kenner and Metairie. Northwestern Jefferson Parish, north central Lafourche Parish, central St. Charles Parish are under this warning until 10:45 a.m.At 10:18 a.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Paradis, or eight miles southwest of Hahnville, moving northeast at 45 mph.A tornado warning is also issued for southeastern Iberville Parish and western Ascension Parish until 11 a.m.At 10:28 a.m. a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Bayou Sorrel, or 12 miles south of Plaquemine moving northeast at 30 mph.Locations include Gonzales, Plaquemine, St. Gabriel, White Castle, Bayou Sorrel, Carville and Geismer.Under a tornado watch is in effect until 2 p.m. for Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, St. James, St. John, and St. Charles are included in the watch.Additional parishes include:Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Helena, Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tensas, Terrebonne, Vermilion, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana.