Mammoth tornado tears through New Orleans, leaving path of destruction

A tornado tore through parts of New Orleans and the surrounding area Tuesday evening, leaving some people trapped and thousands without power.

The same storm system hit parts of Texas and Oklahoma, killing at least one person so far, The Associated Press reported.

New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward and St. Bernard Parish, located just outside of New Orleans, were hit particularly hard, according to reports. Both experienced extensive damage during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

"State agencies are assisting local officials as needed as they assess the damage and impacts of these tornadoes," Gov. John Bel Edwards tweeted. "My prayers are with you in Southeast Louisiana tonight. Please be safe."

Videos surfaced on social media of the extensive damage and completely destroyed homes.

One viral video of the tornado shows its sheer size.