Residents process EF-2 tornado that hit Slidell

SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — Recovery efforts continue in Slidell as residents are still at a loss for words after a tornado hit their community.

“Transformer blew, limbs everything was flying, and it was trying to pull me away from the door,” said Jimmy Bennett.

Bennett had just arrived home when the storm began to pick up. He barely made it inside, feeling it was as if the tornado was trying to take him with it.

“Things started flying everywhere. Trashcans. Trees, this telephone pole broke over. It was trying to pull me away from the door trying to suck me from underneath the porch,” said Jimmy Bennett.

For some, like Jasaan Arnolie, it was his first time witnessing a tornado.

“People have lost houses, they’ve lost cars, people’s businesses are gone. It’s a lot that happened. See right there the people’s house is gone. A tree hit that one,” said Arnolie.

Once it all cleared, crews began the cleanup efforts. Corbin Battiste explains the company he works for arrived overnight as many continued to assess the damage.

“Most of the people are in distress, you know. Day life is just not what it used to be. So, we are just here to give them some relief. They are all happy that we are here, and we are doing the best we can to get things back to normal,” said Battiste.

Among the damaged buildings is the neighborhood daycare. It sustained minor internal damage, but the outside is covered with trees and debris. It’s an area Arnolie wants children to enjoy when they return.

“It’s important because I love the kids. This is where they grow. They are learning, they are playing, they are around people their age. So, they are having a good time,” said Arnolie.

Crews have been in the area all day working to restore power, a task that could go on for days. Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer says anyone in need of assistance can call St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations at 985-898-2359.

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