An RV community in the town of Convent in St. James Parish was struck by an apparent tornado during Tuesday's severe weather outbreak. Officials the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness said two people were killed as a result of the storm. There were also reports of at least 40 others injured.

As of 10 PM Tuesday night authorities said there were still three residents of the Sugar Hill RV Park unaccounted for. The RV park was home to some 300 residents and hosted 160 trailers and recreational vehicles.  A spokesman for the St. James Parish Sheriff's office said most of the 160 units received some kind of damage. Many of the trailers sustained major damage.

Speaking to the media and reported by The Advocate in Baton Rouge Governor John Bel Edwards said,

I will be honest with you: It’s a minor miracle there were only two fatalities. These travel trailers were picked up and blown apart.

Edwards toured the area shortly after the storm had passed. He declared a state of emergency in seven parishes across the state.

A hotline number has been set up, (225) 562-2364, for residents of the park to call and confirm their safety as the search for the missing is expected to continue into Wednesday morning.

 

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