Compared to neighboring St. Bernard Parish, New Orleans saw minimal damage after a multi-vortex tornado hit both parishes during a severe weather event Tuesday night.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell hosted a press conference midday Wednesday and said emergency crews had surveyed both the Lower 9th Ward and New Orleans East that morning for damages.
“No injuries, casualties or significant damage were reported in Orleans Parish, and we’re very much grateful for that,” she said.
Contrary to earlier reports, Cantrell and other city officials said the city’s Lower 9th Ward saw little damage. Instead, the area of town that experienced the greatest damage was New Orleans East.
Collin Arnold, director of the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the most severe impacts in the East were observed around Prentiss Avenue and Coronado Drive, North Idlewood Court and Wright Road, and on Hauck Drive.
In that area, 50 structures had some form of damage, Arnold said. Most had just missing shingles or damaged siding, but five to six properties had more moderate to major roof damage, based on this morning’s assessments.
As of 10 a.m., around 1,900 New Orleans residents did not have electric service, said Ramsey Green, deputy chief administrative officer for infrastructure. Entergy expected to have customers who could receive power back online as of 11 p.m. tonight, Green said, particularly in the damaged area in New Orleans East.
Officials urged residents to contact 311 via phone call or text message if they see damage obstructing a public right-of-way so the city can work quickly to clear it.
In New Orleans East at Prentiss and Coronado seems to be main spot with damage in Orleans. Neighbors will need help with clean up. City is assisting and we’re heading to pick up blue tarps to bring back. pic.twitter.com/FSXfeqis6e
— Helena Moreno (@HelenaMorenoLA) March 23, 2022
Arnold added that residents in need of assistance clearing debris, removing fallen trees or mitigating mold can contact a crisis clean-up hotline to get connected with a free service from volunteers. The number is 504-350-0788, and the line will be open until Friday, April 8.
Residents in need of free legal assistance following the tornadoes can contact the hotline for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services at 844-244-7871.
Officials also asked homeowners and renters who experienced tornado impacts to report damages to their homes at Damage.la.gov. Doing so will help the state and federal agencies determine the scope of the need for aid.
City officials said they are dedicating resources to St. Bernard Parish, which experienced greater impacts from last night’s storms, particularly in Arabi.
