A tornado ripped through Louisiana on Tuesday morning, destroying homes and injuring at least two people.
The violently rotating air column was spotted near Basile and moved north toward Pine Prairie.
Residents of the small town of Evangeline Parish reported damage to infrastructure and minor injuries.
Several locations west of Baton Rouge are also under tornado watch due to severe thunderstorms in the area.
“Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter,” the National Weather Service (NWS) warned.
“Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage will occur to roofs, windows and vehicles. Tree damage is likely.”
NWS has also urged residents to take cover in an interior room on the lowest floor and avoid windows.
This is a developing story… More updates to follow.
A tornado ripped through Louisiana on Tuesday morning, destroying homes and injuring at least two people
Several locations west of Baton Rouge are also under tornado watch due to severe thunderstorms in the area
The NWS has issued a tornado warning for parts of Acadia and Lafayette counties in southern Louisiana until at least 10:30 a.m. CST.
Areas affected include Lafayette, Scott and Rayne, but the warning could be expanded in the near future.
Authorities could extend or expand the warning in the short term.
Meteorologists Adam Oliver captured the tornado in Acadia Parish near Indian Bayou, showing the cyclone passing over an open area while heavy rain fell.
“It passed over Hwy 35! Seek shelter immediately,” Oliver posted on X.
The NWS reported wind gusts at least 60 miles per hour in the area with a severe thunderstorm near Brouillette or near Marksville.
‘A tornado warning remains in effect for the warned area. Tornadoes can develop quickly after severe thunderstorms,” the agency said.
“Although a tornado is not immediately likely, if you see one, act quickly and get to a safe place in a sturdy structure, such as a small interior room.”