Tornado touches down in Slidell
SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — Slidell is working to clean up the aftermath of a tornado that tore through the city on Wednesday, April 10.
The Slidell Police Department reported damage is extensive on the south end of the city, with businesses and apartment complexes partially collapsed.
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“It’s bad guys. I can’t stress enough to stay off the roadways,” said Slidell police in a social media post.
City of Slidell officials give update on Wednesday’s weather:
SPD officials said multiple agencies are assisting with rescue efforts and surveying the area.
They said more than 50 people were rescued from an apartment in Old Spanish Trail.
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Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer said it appears that the tornado touched down several times and there are pockets of storm damage across the city.
He said no major injuries have been reported within the city limits at this time.
Crews are working to assess the damage and clear debris.
“Unless you really have some specific business or family you have to get to, stay out of this area,” Cromer said.
Officials with the American Red Cross said they are working with St. Tammany Parish to offer care to people who have been displaced.
(WGNO/Kenny Lopez) (WGNO/Kenny Lopez) (WGNO/Kenny Lopez) (WGNO/Kenny Lopez) (WGNO/Kenny Lopez) (WGNO/Brantly Keiek) (WGNO/Brantly Keiek) (WGNO/Brantly Keiek) (WGNO/Brantly Keiek) (WGNO/Brantly Keiek) (WGNO/Brantly Keiek) (Courtesy: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office) (Courtesy: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office) (Courtesy: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office) (Courtesy: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office) Possible tornado damage in Slidell on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Courtesy: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal) Possible tornado damage in Slidell on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Courtesy: Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal)
They said anyone planning to stay in a Red Cross shelter should “bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items.”
Officials with the Salvation Army of Greater New Orleans said they are bringing supplies to the Slidell area to help people impacted by the tornado.
The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado around 5:30 p.m.
Officials with the St. Tammany Parish Government reported hundreds of homes were damaged throughout the parish.
They said Fritchie Park in Slidell will serve as a distribution point. Residents in need can go to the area for available items like water, ice and tarps.
Parish officials also said lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.
Parish leaders said another location at 901 Old Spanish Trail will serve dinner at 5 p.m. at the emergency response vehicle in the parking lot.
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper signed an executive parish-wide state of emergency order.
Watch Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer’s full update:
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