In neighborhoods across New Orleans, the cleanup is just beginning after a massive tornado left a trail of destruction throughout multiple parishes.
The National Weather Service confirmed that at least two tornadoes touched down Tuesday night -- one in St. Bernard Parish, which borders New Orleans to the southeast, and the other in Lacombe, across Lake Pontchartrain from the city. The NWS said additional tornadoes may be confirmed as new information becomes available.
In Jefferson Parish, a number of homes were damaged as the tornado first struck in a residential area in Gretna.
"This thing was huge. It had secondary vortices that were sticking out the side like tentacles," said Director of Emergency Management Joe Valiente. "It did considerable damage to telephone poles, wires, damaged several cars, we had reports there were some blown out windows, we also lost a transformer, too."
Despite all the damage, Valiente said not a single injury was reported in Jefferson Parish because residents were "storm ready."
"We just couldn't believe it," he said. "If you look at the path we've laid out, it's all neighborhoods. It's a compacted area with homes and businesses -- it could have been catastrophic."
After spinning in Gretna for several minutes, the tornado lifted up toward St. Bernard Parish and went over the river into Arabi, where one person was killed.
Guy McInnis, St. Bernard Parish President, said several residents there were also taken to the hospital with injuries. He said being prepared for the storm made all the difference.
"One death is too many... but I can tell you it's a miracle that we don't have any more," said McInnis. "We knew it was coming, we knew when it was going to hit and the path it was taking. It was amazing and I think that saved lives."
McInnis said crews will continue spending the day assessing the damage but so far, they have received no reports of missing people.
"I'm going to say 40 or 50 homes were damaged. That's just a rough estimate," said McInnis. "Sadly, we're pretty good at this recovery stuff and we're out and about it again. Our citizens are resilient."
While some streets have been cleared of damage, others remain closed to traffic. McInnis urged everyone to stay home if they can, saying more people out and about could prolong restoration efforts.
"We're asking people if you don't need to be out, don't get out," he said. "Things are open, but you cannot get back into the neighborhood, obviously, right now until further notice."
For those still without power in St. Bernard Parish, McInnis estimated that service will be restored by the end of the day.
Collin Arnold, New Orleans' director of homeland security and emergency preparedness, said St. Bernard Parish and Arabi specifically took the brunt of the storm.
"We definitely have some damage around the area," said Arnold. "New Orleans East for sure, we have some root damage and some trees down. Not hearing about significant damage in the Lower 9th Ward -- nothing certainly compared to what we're seeing in Arabi."
As no injuries or major damage were reported in New Orleans Parish, Arnold said they'll be directing all resources to areas affected by the storm.
"Right now what our concentration is and what it has been since last night is supporting St. Bernard Parish with mutual aid and public safety assets, which we've been doing and continue to do," he said.
Although a second tornado touchdown was confirmed in Lacombe, there were virtually no reports of damage, according to St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper.
"There was some gusts that toppled trees or clipped pine trees... no reported damage other than those trees down," said Cooper. "Considering what happened in the St. Bernard area and parts of New Orleans, we were spared."
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