Three EF1 tornadoes from Arthur confirmed across Southeast Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The National Weather Service confirmed three EF1 tornadoes touched down across Southeast Louisiana on Thursday as severe storms from Arthur moved through the region.

NWS officials said preliminary storm surveys found tornado damage in three areas: Houma, the West Bank of Jefferson Parish and the East Bank of Jefferson and Orleans parishes.

All three tornadoes were rated EF1.

The Houma tornado had estimated peak winds of 95 mph, according to the National Weather Service. A second tornado on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish had estimated peak winds of 90 mph. A third tornado on the East Bank of Jefferson and Orleans parishes had estimated peak winds of 95 mph.

The findings are preliminary and could be updated as survey teams continue reviewing damage.

What to know

• The National Weather Service confirmed three EF1 tornadoes touched down during Thursday’s storms.
• One tornado hit the Houma area with estimated peak winds of 95 mph.
• A second tornado touched down on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish with estimated peak winds of 90 mph.
• A third tornado touched down on the East Bank of Jefferson and Orleans parishes with estimated peak winds of 95 mph.
• The tornadoes were connected to severe storms from Arthur’s remnants.
• Arthur had already weakened into a post-tropical system before the storms moved through Southeast Louisiana.

Related Coverage

• Possible tornadoes from Arthur leave homes damaged, roads flooded across Southeast Louisiana
• New Orleans avoids worst of Arthur as trees fall and Carrollton plant issue clears
• Large-scale flood rescue effort launched in Avoyelles Parish
• Woman pinned to sofa as possible tornado tears through Avondale
• Kenner takes gut punch as floodwater from Arthur stalls dozens of vehicles
• Flooding closes Gause Boulevard in Slidell after winds flip 18-wheeler
• Possible tornado damages dozens of homes, businesses in Houma

Damage had been reported in multiple communities

The confirmation came after damage was reported in several communities Thursday morning, including Houma, Avondale, Metairie and New Orleans.

In Houma, homes and businesses were damaged near Evelyn Road and Grand Caillou Road. Fox 8 crews reported damaged roofs, damaged storefronts and debris in the area.

In Avondale, damage was reported along the 600 block of George Street, where trailers were damaged and two people were taken to hospitals. One woman was pinned to her sofa after debris from her trailer collapsed on top of her, family members said.

Damage was also reported in Metairie, where Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said officials would rely on meteorologists to determine whether the damage was caused by a tornado or straight-line winds.

In New Orleans, officials reported scattered tree damage, including in the City Park area and on Metairie Road. Some neighborhoods also saw roof damage, downed trees, leaning power lines and blocked streets.

Arthur weakened before storms hit

Arthur weakened into a post-tropical system late Wednesday, and the National Hurricane Center said all coastal watches and warnings had been discontinued.

Even after weakening, Arthur’s remnants continued to produce heavy rain, strong storms and flooding concerns across the Southeast.

The system left behind damaged homes, flooded roads and power outages across parts of Southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi.

A flash flood emergency was also reported near the Mississippi Coast as heavy rain covered roads and pushed water near homes and businesses.

Officials urge caution during cleanup

Officials warned residents to stay away from damaged areas, avoid downed power lines and stay out of floodwater.

Floodwater can hide debris, downed power lines, wildlife and other hazards. Officials also urged drivers not to go around barricades or drive through standing water.

Residents should wait for local officials to give the all-clear before moving through damaged or flooded areas.

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