United States Senator Senator Bill Cassidy surveyed tornado damage in Arabi Thursday. Cassidy toured the devastated area with St. Bernard Parish officials. The group inspected the massive damage and spoke with local residents, asking what they need to begin recovery from Tuesday's storm.

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The tornado touched down in New Orleans' 9th ward and East New Orleans neighborhoods before hitting Arabi in St. Bernard Parish. The funnel was on the ground for more than eleven miles with peak winds of 160 miles per hour. Meteorologists say it is the strongest tornados to ever hit the New Orleans area. Amazingly, only one death was reported as a result of the storm.

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“Amidst homes terribly damaged, people are coming from other communities to help those affected clean up, provide generators, and to otherwise give hope,” said Senator Cassidy. “Spirits are high because people care for other people.”

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By hitting the eastern part of New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish, the tornado ravaged some of the sections of the metro area that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina and last year's Hurricane Ida. Workers from both New Orleans and all over Louisiana - including many volunteers - are now focused on tornado cleanup and recovery.

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Senator Cassidy said that federal help will be on the way, emphasizing the recently announced $1.72 billion in additional hurricane disaster aid, including more than $1.2 billion to help the state recover from last year's Hurricane Ida.

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