Heavy rain and flooding hit New Orleans neighborhoods early Wednesday morning as thunderstorms — and tornadoes — fell across southeast Louisiana. 

By 7:30 a.m., a flash flood warning was issued for New Orleans, Kenner and Metairie, and a tornado watch was issued for New Orleans until 1 p.m.

As of 1 p.m., some city rain gauges showed more than seven inches of precipitation. By the same time, underpasses on Canal Street, Marconi Drive, Gentilly Boulevard, Franklin Avenue and Carrollton Avenue closed due to flooding. 

Around midday, Nola.com reported about 160,000 customers were without power statewide due to what National Weather Service forecasters characterized as a “flash flood emergency.” Approximately 780 customers within Entergy’s New Orleans coverage were without power. 

Tulane University remained open within normal operations Wednesday. Schools within St. Tammany Parish and Orleans Parish closed in preparation for inclement weather, and University of New Orleans announced Tuesday evening it would close campus, opting for virtual classes. Loyola University moved Wednesday classes online. 

In Slidell and eastern St. Tammany Parish, one confirmed tornado touched down. Buildings faced damage and more than 25,000 customers were without power. Slidell police reported “minor to moderate” injuries for an unspecified number of individuals.