[NEW ORLEANS, LA] June 18, 2026 — The American Red Cross Louisiana Region is responding to widespread severe weather that swept across the state in the past 24 hours, leaving storm and confirmed tornado damage in its wake. Red Cross teams have mobilized to assess community needs and coordinate emergency assistance.

Red Cross disaster liaisons are stationed in several parish emergency operations centers in the hardest-hit areas, working directly with local emergency management officials and first responders to coordinate relief efforts in real time.
 

Red Cross teams are prioritizing three immediate efforts:

• Damage assessment. Trained volunteers will go door-to-door in affected neighborhoods to evaluate damage. The assessments help the Red Cross determine response and recovery efforts.
• River monitoring. With heavy rain saturating the ground, the Red Cross is tracking river and bayou levels across southeast Louisiana to watch for secondary flooding.
• Shelter readiness.  Trained shelter teams are on standby to open emergency shelters if local officials determine they're needed.

"Our immediate priority is to get a clear picture of the damage so we can deliver help where it's needed most," said Kenneth St. Charles Ph.D., Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Louisiana Region. "Our volunteer assessment teams are our eyes and ears on the ground. Further, by placing staff directly in parish emergency operations centers and keeping shelter teams ready, we can move quickly from surveying damage to meeting people's immediate needs."

The Red Cross urges residents in affected areas to stay away from standing water and downed power lines, monitor local media for updates, and follow instructions from emergency officials regarding rising waterways.
 

HOW TO GET HELP
Anyone affected by the storms can call the Red Cross Disaster Assistance hotline at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for support, including help locating emergency shelter, food and other assistance.
 

HOW TO HELP
Financial donations allow the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters like this one. To donate, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.