Severe damage across Jefferson and Orleans Parishes
Strong thunderstorms pounded the New Orleans area on Wednesday, May 7, unleashing powerful winds, widespread flooding, and significant infrastructure damage, particularly in Jefferson Parish. The severe weather—driven by a larger storm system sweeping across the Gulf Coast—left tens of thousands without electricity and forced the early closure of schools and roads.
Flooding across the metro area
The heaviest downpours hit the northshore, where Mandeville recorded 6.7 inches (170 mm) of rain by mid-afternoon. Other hard-hit areas included St. James Parish with nearly 5 inches (127 mm), Metairie with 4.5 inches (114 mm), and most other communities with 2 to 3 inches (50–76 mm). Water quickly overwhelmed major corridors like Earhart Boulevard, Canal Boulevard, and multiple streets in Mid-City, the Marigny, and the 7th Ward.
Wind wreaks havoc in Marrero and Harvey
In Jefferson Parish, straight-line winds caused extensive damage in Marrero and Harvey, toppling utility poles, snapping power lines, and blocking streets. Medical Boulevard, adjacent to West Jefferson Medical Center, was shut down after hundreds of feet of lines collapsed. Barataria Boulevard and 6th Street were similarly affected.
Despite early fears of a tornado, the National Weather Service confirmed that the initial destruction was due to straight-line gusts, one of which hit 58 mph near New Orleans Lakefront Airport. A separate tornado with 80 mph winds was later confirmed to have struck Marrero during a different system.
Schools and neighborhoods left in the dark
By 10 a.m., approximately 18,000 customers in Jefferson Parish, 6,000 in Orleans, and 1,400 in St. Bernard were without power, according to Entergy. L.H. Marrero Middle School, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School in Metairie, and Immaculate Conception School in Marrero faced power failures and plumbing problems, resulting in early dismissals.
Utility crews from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development worked urgently to restore traffic signals and repair downed lines across the West Bank. Entergy pledged to restore service by midnight in most of Jefferson Parish, although many customers were expected to regain power earlier.
More rain on the way
The storm system hasn’t passed yet. A flood watch remains in effect through 7 p.m. Thursday for Southeast Louisiana and South Mississippi. Forecasters expect an additional 4 to 6 inches (102–152 mm) of rain, with some isolated pockets possibly seeing over 10 inches (254 mm).
