The National Weather Service says it was at least an EF 3 tornado with winds of at least 135 miles per hour that caused significant damage in Arabi in St. Bernard Parish. So far only one storm-related death has been reported and St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis says it could have been much worse…:

CUT 03(11)      “…saved lives.”

Lifelong Arabi resident Tony Vitale’s home was demolished. He says thankfully he, his wife, and his nine-year-old son were not injured as the twister ripped his home to pieces. He says the only place they could take shelter was on the floor next to a wall…:

CUT 06(13)      “…is gone.”

Crews are searching 2600 structures; trying to account for nearly 8900 people.

The HUD announcement of $450-million in recovery money for southwest Louisiana from 2020’s Hurricanes Laura & Delta is welcome news in Calcasieu Parish. Alberto Galan who’s overseeing Long Term Recovery for the parish says news of the money renews hope in the community that the process to help those with unmet housing needs has been set in motion…:

CUT 13(12)      “…to turn.”

Galan encourages those in need to first fill out a survey with the state’s Office of Community Development.

An F-16 fighter jet crashed today in Beauregard Parish. State Police in Troop D say the jet went down in the woods off Highway 27 a few miles south of Deridder. The pilot was able to eject and is OK. At this time, we don’t know where the jet was en route to or from.