A small funnel cloud spun through parts of Arabi on Friday evening, briefly freezing traffic and sending local deputies racing through the neighborhood to check for storm damage. St. Bernard Parish deputies quickly blocked travel while crews checked for downed power lines, fallen trees and other hazards. Officials reported no injuries as responders moved in to assess the scene and start clearing debris.
Roads shut as deputies assess damage
Rowley Boulevard and Norton Avenue were shut down to traffic between Judge Perez Drive and St. Bernard Highway while deputies worked the area, according to FOX 8. The station reports that all cross streets in the immediate zone were also blocked because of storm-related hazards and that deputies plan to keep an eye on conditions as the weather pattern evolves. The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office told FOX 8 that more details would be released as they become available.
Storm context and regional impacts
The Arabi funnel cloud appeared as the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur pushed heavy rain and strong storms across the Gulf Coast, producing multiple tornado reports across southeast Louisiana, according to The Washington Post. Similar reporting from the Associated Press described widespread flooding and tornado damage across the region, creating the kind of unstable conditions that can spin up brief funnel clouds.
What residents should do
Residents in the affected area were urged to be cautious and watch for downed power lines, fallen trees, debris in the roadway and traffic lights that might be out, the sheriff’s office told FOX 8. Electrical safety organizations warn that downed lines can stay energized and advise people to assume any fallen wire is live, keep a safe distance and call emergency services. The Electrical Safety Foundation International highlights those same precautions in its storm safety guidance. Deputies said they would keep monitoring the area and share updates as more information comes in.
