One death, significant damage reported in wake of possible Killona tornado

Less than three weeks after St. Charles Parish suffered damage due to a tornado, another possible tornado has struck the area and left severe impact.  

The storm caused one death, confirmed by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, while the St. Charles Parish EOC has received reports of downed power lines and blocked roads amid damage in the Killona area, while Montz has suffered impact as well.

The Sheriff’s Office reports that responding deputies have advised of heavy damage to residences in the area of Schoolhouse Road and that deputies have been checking residences.

St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell has declared a state of emergency for the parish due to the severe ongoing weather.  

Residents are urged to avoid the area and to not touch down power lines as they may still be electrified. It is also advised by parish officials that residents should ensure they have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. If sirens are activated, residents should seek information from a reliable weather source or parish communications and take cover immediately.  

Jewell and St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne held a joint press conference this evening in Killona concerning the weather and its impact today on the parish.

“We had quite a bit of devastation,” Champagne said.

It was determined that a tornado touched down near the Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility in Killona, Jewell said. Homes were damaged and Jewell said search and rescue efforts have been ongoing by emergency personnel. Jewell said that in addition to the fatality, seven people suffered injuries due to the storm. Champagne noted that those injured are recieving care and face non-critical injuries.

While power is near fully restored in Montz, there are 10 power poles down in Killona where a restoration estimate is not yet known.

The parish is coordinating efforts with several agencies to assess and address needs for those affected by the storm. He said residents in need of shelter are asked to go to the Dufresne Community Center and that those in need of transportation may call the EOC at (985)-783-5050. The community center is located at 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling.

 

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