Damage reported, schools closed as storms arrive in southeast Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Flooding rains began moving across Southeast Louisiana on Wednesday (May 7) morning, bringing with them the first wave of damage, power outages, and school closures.

A Flood Watch remains in effect until Thursday evening, with multiple rounds of storms expected across the region.

FORECAST OUTLOOK

• Light to moderate rain moved in from the north Wednesday morning.
• A squall line is expected midday with threats of damaging winds, tornadoes, and hail.
• Showers and a few storms will linger into the evening.
• Additional rounds of storms are possible Thursday and Friday.
• Rain totals between 4 to 6 inches are likely, with isolated spots potentially exceeding 10 inches.
• A slow-moving upper low will keep storms around through Friday, before more isolated activity into the weekend.

IMPORTANT LINKS

JEFFERSON PARISH DAMAGE

Jefferson Parish Councilman Scott Walker confirmed several school were dismissing early due to power outages.

Poles and lines were down on Barataria near the Expressway and 6th Street. Entergy crews and first responders were working to restore power.

“It was obviously like a monsoon,” Walker said. “Damage near West Jeff. At Barataria and 6th, there’s another 200 yards of power lines down.”

Fox 8 Chief Meteorologist Bruce Katz and the National Weather Service confirmed the wind damage was a result of straight line winds and not tornadic activity.

Multiple power poles were snapped or left leaning along Avenue D near Immaculate Conception School, where students were dismissed early due to the power outage and issues with the campus lift station system.

Immaculate Conception Principal Stephanie DeMarco told FOX 8 that all students were safe and sheltered during the storm.

“We were actually in the middle of Mass when it blew through,” she said. “We had some water in the church. The kids were scared, there were some tears, but everyone is safe. We’re without power on both sides of our campus and cannot flush toilets.”

Families of the following Jefferson Parish schools were notified that their school was without power:

• Collins Elementary
• Isaac G. Joseph Elementary
• Lincoln Elementary
• Marrero Middle
• Solis Elementary
• West Jefferson High School
• Woodmere School

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