Terrifying 'multi-vortex' tornado rips through city as residents must 'take shelter now'

dailystar.co.uk:

tornado has reportedly laid waste to homes and businesses across a city as residents were told to take urgent shelter.Shocking footage showed a large black tornado cloud looming over the night sky, while officials warned residents that "complete destruction" was "possible" in the area.Reports emerged from New Orleans, Louisiana, on Tuesday evening of debris being strewn across city streets as the sudden storm began to take its toll.The powerful twister made landfall in the city just before 9pm local time (1am Wednesday UK time).One video shared on social media showed a house in the Arabi area having been completely raised to the ground after being hit by destructive winds.Local journalist Scot Pilie said that New Orleans Fire Department had declared a major emergency services response after receiving reports of people injured and trapped in wreckage.Gas leaks were also reported in several homes in the area, adding another challenge to the clean-up effort.No numbers of injuries or deaths have yet been confirmed, although St.

Bernard Parish Sheriff Jimmy Pohlmann confirmed multiple people had been taken to hospital. The National Weather Service issued a warning to residents in the hours before which read: “Do not wait to see or hear the tornado.“TAKE COVER NOW!“Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter.

Mobile homes will be destroyed. Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible.”Weather radar from the state of Louisiana showed a 'debris ball' forming above the path of the tornado, suggesting material had been thrown high into the sky.