On Wednesday, Governor John Bel Edwards toured the damage done by an EF-3 tornado in Arabi.
Governor Edwards declared a state of emergency following the damage done by two tornadoes that tore across St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Tammany parishes on Tuesday.
He spoke to some homeowners of storm-damaged homes as he walked the neighborhood followed by officials and the media.
He says as of now, he fears the state might not meet the criteria to qualify for federal disaster aid.
“At this point, we don’t know if we are going to meet the thresholds necessary to qualify for federal assistance in terms of public assistance and individual assistance, we are monitoring that,” said the governor. “But we are asking homeowners and renters to self-report to GOHSEP so that we can keep a list and as soon as possible we will make that request for assistance.”
St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis was also with the governor touring the damage.
“Our citizens are resilient, we are going to get back up, and going, as soon as we can,” said McInnis. “And governor, with all of your help, and the federal help. We are going to make this happen real soon.”
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise also released a statement after Tuesday night's deadly weather.
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“My thoughts and prayers go out to all those impacted by last night’s deadly weather and tornadoes, and I express my heartfelt condolences to the families and communities hardest hit by this storm. I have spoken with St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis, White House Senior Advisor Cedric Richmond, and other local officials to offer any help we can provide to these communities as they work through the recovery process.”