Minor damage reported as thunderstorms hit St. Charles Parish

Area bracing for most severe weather later today

As severe thunderstorms made their way through St. Charles Parish today (Feb. 23), minor damage was reported from as many as three possible tornadoes reported by area residents.

Jason Tastet, interim director of parish Emergency Management Operations (EOC), confirmed minor damage had been reported by apparent rotational winds as of noon today in the areas of Magnolia Ridge and Ama.

In St. Charles Parish, a workshop was damaged in Boutte. Vinyl siding was blown off a home in Ama, and another home in Ama had their chicken coup destroyed.

Tastet said they had not confirmed tornadoes landing in these areas yet,but they had been reported to the National Weather Service for assessment.

The National Weather Service in New Orleans received several reports confirming a brief tornado in St. Charles Parish, according to its Twitter feed. No location was specified.

Today’s outlook is rain and thunderstorms are expected through 6 p.m.

Tastet said the EOC increased staffing for increased storm monitoring and response through the severe weather.

“Some of these thunderstorms may contain heavy winds with a potential for tornado development,” he said. “Residents are asked to monitor local media for more information as it becomes available.”

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning until 5 p.m. today for the parish along with Acadia, Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Washington, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes.

In St. Charles Parish, the following closures have been announced:

–    Government offices, including the courthouse in Hahnville and Arterbury Building in New Sarpy. Early voting has been postponed.

–    Parish public schools closed early.

–    Parish Parks and Recreation activities scheduled for today have been cancelled, including all practices, 5-6 year old basketball games and 13-14 year old boys baseball evaluations.

–    Progressive Waste Services will service garbage and trash routes until 2 p.m. today. Residents not receiving service by 2 p.m. are asked to pull in and secure all garbage containers and trash that may become flying objects.