Two injured as a tornado rips through homes in Louisiana, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake

A tornado ripped through Louisiana on Tuesday morning, destroying homes and injuring at least two people.

The violently rotating column of air was spotted near Basile and was moving north toward Pine Prairie.

Residents of the small town of Evangeline Parish reported infrastructure damage and minor injuries.

Several locations west of Baton Rouge are also under a tornado watch due to severe thunderstorms in the area.

“Flying debris will become dangerous to people without shelter,” the National Weather Service (NWS) warned.

“Mobile homes are damaged or destroyed.” There is damage to roofs, windows and vehicles. Tree damage is likely.”

NWS has also urged residents to seek shelter indoors on the lowest floor and avoid windows.

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 a tornado watch due to severe thunderstorms in the area

The NWS has issued a tornado warning for portions of Acadia and Lafayette counties in southern Louisiana until at least 10:30 a.m. CST.

Affected areas include Lafayette, Scott and Rayne, but the warning could be expanded in the short term.

The authorities could extend or expand the warning at short notice.

Meteorologist Adam Oliver photographed the tornado in Acadia Parish near Indian Bayou, showing the cyclone moving across an open area during heavy rain.

“It went over Highway 35!” Take shelter immediately,” Oliver wrote on X.

The NWS reported wind gusts of at least 60 mph in the area, with a severe thunderstorm occurring near Brouillette or Marksville.

“A tornado warning remains in effect for the warned area.” “Tornadoes can quickly develop from severe thunderstorms,” the agency said.

“Even if a tornado is not immediately likely, if someone is spotted, you should act quickly and move to a safe location in a stable structure, such as a small indoor area.”

Residents of Basile reported that shops had been destroyed. Pictured is Rhea's Specialty Meat & Smokehouse after the tornado hit the area