New Orleans Tornado Leaves 1 Dead, Causes Damage to Lower Ninth Ward

A tornado reached east New Orleans Tuesday evening, leaving at least one person dead and causing significant damage to the Lower Ninth Ward.

St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann confirmed that at least one person was killed in Arabi when the tornado swept through the New Orleans metro shortly before 8 p.m. CST.

“There’s widespread damage from where it touched down,” Pohlmann said in a news conference. “There’s heavy damage to multiple structures in the area, they have multiple injuries in the area.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said 8,000 customers were without power.

“Residents should avoid all travel that isn’t essential, to provide an opportunity for the professionals to handle this situation,” Cantrell said.

Another tornado was reported on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said on Twitter, “State agencies are assisting local officials as needed as they assess the damage and impacts of these tornadoes.”

This is absolutely heartbreaking. Homes completely shifted and thrown off their foundation. Evidence of intense winds w/ large tornado tonight in Metro New Orleans, Louisiana. 📸Zuzka Haider, Arabi @NWSNewOrleans will survey tomorrow. @weatherchannel pic.twitter.com/gANrCnlrbO

— Scot Pilié (@ScotPilie_Wx) March 23, 2022

Large damaging tornado moving through parts of the New Orleans metro this evening. Extensive damage reported Lower 9/ Arabi area. pic.twitter.com/sfqQLQr31K

— Payton Malone WWL-TV (@paytonmalonewx) March 23, 2022

🌪️ WOW. Incredible view of the tornado near New Orleans earlier as seen from the Mississippi River while a cruise ship passed by.

Video from a @WGNOtv viewer via @PeytonLocicero. pic.twitter.com/picbXCWzDN

— Brantly Keiek (@BrantlyWx) March 23, 2022