Flooding washes out downtown New Orleans as brutal storms batter Gulf Coast with hail, rain and 70 mph winds, leaving 180K without power and schools closed
Severe storms batter the Gulf Coast, bringing flooding and tornado warnings for millions from Texas to the Florida panhandle.
Flooding and strong winds have closed roads in the south, forcing schools and offices to close on Wednesday. In New Orleans, flooding had washed out downtown, making it difficult for cars to cross the roads.
Heavy rain, flash flooding and severe weather threats associated with an intensifying low pressure system are expected to sweep the region, according to the National Weather Service.
“We believe there will be double-digit tornadoes produced by the severe weather outbreak, and multiple tornadoes may be on the ground at the same time Wednesday despite less-than-perfect atmospheric conditions,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
Forecasters said strong, damaging winds, which could exceed 75 mph, could wreak havoc across the region, toppling trees and poles.
Severe storms batter the Gulf Coast, bringing flash flooding and tornado warnings for millions from Texas to the Florida panhandle — including in New Orleans, where rain has flooded downtown
From 12 ET Wednesday, 172,226 customers are without power in Louisiana, 49,231 in Mississippi and 45,318 in Texas, according to Poweroutage.us.
Here’s what’s happening across the Gulf Coast
TEXAS
In the Lone Star State, several people were rescued from homes and vehicles Wednesday morning as they flooded parts of Jasper County, near the Louisiana line, authorities said.
“The town of Kirbyville remains underwater and remains the number one concern at this time,” the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said on social media.
All major roads into Kirbyville, a town of about 2,000 people, were closed early Wednesday because of the flooding, the sheriff’s office said.
Damage from a tornado Wednesday in Katy, Texas
Authorities are working at the scene where a tornado damaged several businesses
Several people were rescued from homes and vehicles Wednesday morning in Texas
All major roads into Kirbyville, a town of about 2,000 people, were closed early Wednesday due to the flooding
In the Houston suburb of Katy, severe thunderstorms that passed through the area collapsed around 2 Wednesday, part of the roof of a Firestone repair shop.
Storms also damaged businesses and cars at a nearby shopping center, including sending a large air conditioner that had been on the roof crashing into the parking lot, officials said.
LOUISIANA
In Louisiana, state office buildings closed Wednesday as the storms were expected to hit the state during rush hour, the governor’s office announced.
Officials also asked drivers to limit travel if possible and warned that strong winds were expected to affect large trucks.
The National Weather Service is issuing a flash flood watch for New Orleans, Chalmette and Meraux until 6 p.m. 14 CT when heavy rainfall made it impossible to cross roads.
In Slidell, just outside New Orleans, several people were injured and first responders searched neighborhoods after reports of a tornado touching down
In New Orleans, flooding had washed out downtown, making it difficult for cars to cross the roads
People walk past their heavily damaged cars after they were sheltered in place in Slidell due to a reported tornado
The National Weather Service is issuing a state of emergency in New Orleans as the heavy rain flooded roads
Storm clouds roll across New Orleans as water rises in the Treme neighborhood Wednesday
Louisiana State University announced its campus would close Wednesday
In Slidell, just outside New Orleans, several people were injured and first responders searched neighborhoods after reports of a tornado that touched down Wednesday morning.
“They had businesses that partially collapsed, apartment complexes. Trees are down everywhere, power lines are down everywhere,’ said Daniel Suezeneau, a Slidell police spokesman.
Police reported over 50 rescues and said there are some with minor to moderate injuries after Slidell experienced the brunt of the storm.
One of the nation’s largest universities – Louisiana State University – announced that its campus would close Wednesday due to “the developing severe weather situation.”
By 1:30 p.m., the National Weather Service recorded nearly seven inches of rain in Mandeville, over six inches in Slidell and four inches in Covington, according to Nola.com.
MISSISSIPPI
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed one person has died in Scott County as a result of the storm and one person has been injured in Grenada County.
Video shows hailstorms pounding through central Mississippi Tuesday night, reported WJTV.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said several trees and power lines are down in western and northern Hinds County, including Learned, Raymond, Old Port Gibson Road and Pocahontas.
Gov. Tate Reeves said at least 72 homes have been either damaged or destroyed in Grenada, Hinds, Marshall, Scott, Warren and Yazoo counties.
Severe storms destroy a home in Pelahatchie, Mississippi.
Video shows hail storms pounding through central Mississippi Tuesday night
Downed trees have resulted in several road closures in Hinds and Yazoo County
Downed trees have resulted in several road closures in Hinds and Yazoo County.
“It is extremely important to keep in mind that our state is expected to experience more severe weather today,” the governor said.
“There is a real possibility that the situation could get worse before it gets better. Prepare in advance for today’s storms – it could be the difference between life and death and keeping your family safe.’
ALABAMA
The Alabama Department of Transportation reported a flooded roadway on eastbound Interstate 90 near the I-10 interchange in Spanish Fort causing moderate delays Wednesday morning.
Dozens of school districts announced early dismissals because of the risk of tornadoes, according to AL.com.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Sumter, Marengo, Dallas and Lowndes counties until 6 p.m.
Severe storms hit the Gulf Coast, bringing flooding and tornado warnings for millions
Forecasters said the biggest flooding threat is across southern Alabama, where they predict two to four inches of rain is possible.
The Waterfront Rescue Mission opened its shelter to people seeking temporary shelter from the storm, reported WEAR.
FLORIDA
As violent storms approach Florida panhandle, one school district closed and two get early dismissal, reported Pensacola News Journal.
Escambia County public schools and district offices closed, the Santa Rosa School District will follow an early release schedule, and Okaloosa County schools will dismiss one hour earlier.
A tornado watch was issued for Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties until 6 p.m.
The National Weather Service predicted storms could bring wind gusts up to 80 mph, strong tornadoes and quarter-sized hail to the area.