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Hahnville – St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell and Sheriff Greg Champagne held a press conference this afternoon in Killona, regarding the damage and severe weather across the parish this afternoon.  

First responders and emergency personnel are performing search and rescue, assessing damages and ensuring the safety of those in the Killona and Montz areas. 

There is extensive damage in Killona due to a tornado, which likely touched down near the Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility Wednesday afternoon. There was one confirmed fatality, an adult female, and seven were injured. 

Residents should avoid the area and not touch downed power lines, potential gas leaks and blocked roads.  

Following the storm, 475 were without power. Power is nearly fully restored in Montz. There are 10 power poles down in Killona amid the extensive damage. There is no timeline on the restoration in the Killona area.  

St. Charles Parish is working in conjunction with the United Way of St. Charles and the Red Cross to help families in need. 

Those in need of shelter should go to the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, located at 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Pkwy in Luling.  

To report any weather-related issues, please contact the EOC at 985-783-5050. Families in need of assistance can call the Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 or contact local caseworkers with Catholic Charities at 504-452-2615.  

More information will be made available when possible.  

For more information regarding St. Charles Parish, please visit our website at www.stcharlesparish-la.gov, Cox Channel 6, UVerse Channel 99, or follow us on Facebook (@stcharlesgov) and Instagram (@stcharlesgov).