(Louisiana Illuminator) - Emergency officials in southeast Louisiana are sorting out the damage from the outer storm bands of what was Tropical Storm Arthur, with some areas bracing for more rain late Thursday that could exacerbate flooding.
Although the Arthur was downgraded after making landfall near Matagorda, Texas, early Thursday morning, tornadoes, extreme wind and torrential rainfall still caused extensive damage hundreds of miles away.
Gov. Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency for Avoyelles, Lafourche, Pointe Coupee, St. Landry, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes. The governor planned to meet with emergency officials Friday in Avoyelles Parish.
The National Weather Service confirmed that three tornadoes touched own in Louisiana. The first hit Houma around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, and another struck just after midnight Thursday in Avondale on the Jefferson Parish west bank. A third tornado was tracked from Bridge City into New Orleans. All three twisters featured winds in excess of 90 mph, according to the weather service.
Flood and tornado damage to homes and businesses was reported in Terrebonne Parish, where President Jason Bergeron declared a state of emergency.
Mike Steele, spokesman with the Governor’s Office for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the Red Cross will be working with Terrebonne Parish officials to assist displaced residents.
In Jefferson Parish, more than a dozen homes were damaged in Avondale, and emergency crews responded to a gas leak. Police in Kenner estimate between 50 to 70 vehicles stalled in high water early this morning. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said the Red Cross was expected to provide help to people who couldn’t return to their homes.
High winds also damaged trees near New Orleans City Park and the University of New Orleans campus.
Floodwater stranded people in their homes in Avoyelles Parish on Thursday, June 18, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Doug Cramer/NWS Lake Charles)
Heavy rain overnight stranded residents near the Avoyelles-Pointe Coupee parish line, requiring search-and-rescue to evacuate them from their homes. Additional rain in the overnight forecast could exacerbate the situation, Steele said.
Intense winds are also blamed for toppling an 18-wheeler near the Oak Harbor onramp to Interstate 10 near Slidell, though the driver was not harmed.
No injuries or deaths related to the severe weather have been reported so far in Louisiana, though a road crew worker in Franklin County, Mississippi, was killed during cleanup efforts. Officials there have not provided details on the incident.
Steele said the office’s Crisis Action Team had monitored Arthur since earlier this week and remains in contact with local officials to respond to their needs. A full activation of the state Emergency Operations Center was not needed, he said.
Local and state officials are urging residents to document any storm damage they’ve incurred for insurance purposes. Homeowners should take photos of damaged property before cleaning up and not throw away damaged items.
Insurance policies require homeowners take steps to mitigate any further damage, within reason, such as boarding up broken windows and placing a tarp over holes in their roof. Homeowners should keep their receipts for any expenses related to salvaging their property.
Flood damage isn’t covered under homeowners’ insurance, with most policies obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program. NFIP policyholders should reach their agent to file a claim, or they can find a contact at floodsmart.gov or 800-621-3362.
Vehicle flood damage should be covered under a comprehensive auto policy, according to the Louisiana Department of Insurance
The agency is also warning the public against falling for scams following the severe weather. Insurance adjuster licenses can be verified with the state at 1-800-259-5300 or at the insurance department’s website. Contractor licensure can be verified with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
