New Orleans Fire Department responded this afternoon to three structural collapses along North Claiborne in the Treme area after a possible funnel cloud touched down in the area.
According to the fire department, the back of an abandoned two-story commercial building collapsed at North Claiborne and Ursulines. A second two-story building collapsed nearby at N. Claiborne and St. Philip Street. Firefighters called it a "complete pancake collapse." The third building collapse is at 1326 Kerlerec St., across the street from the old McDonogh 35 High School. The wall of that collapsed structure fell and damaged an occupied home next door.
Two people were taken to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
NOFD said the area is restricted. Vehicles and pedestrians are not allowed in the area until further notice.
There are numerous trees and power lines down throughout the city, according to NOFD.
Wind gusts of up to 60 mph were reported.
