washington | A tornado struck Louisiana in the southern United States on Tuesday evening, killing at least one person and destroying many homes, according to American media.
“A major tornado touches down in New Orleans! Take shelter now! “, tweeted the national weather service, from New Orleans, at 8:35 p.m. (02:35 GMT).
“Extensive damage to homes” was reported in Arabi, a suburb east of New Orleans, according to a Facebook post from the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office.
“Rescue operations are underway to help residents trapped in their homes,” he added.
At least one person has been killed in Arabi, the president of the parish of Saint Bernard, which includes several towns, told local television station WDSU.
Images broadcast by local channels and on the internet show gutted houses, electricity poles, power lines and debris littering the streets.
“State departments are helping local officials assess the damage and aftermath of this tornado,” tweeted Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.
This tornado was generated by a series of storms that crossed the southern United States on Tuesday.
Additional tornadoes were seen in East Texas earlier today and more are possible in the evening.
“A gust or tornado is possible in the next few hours,” the National Weather Service tweeted.