Tropical Storm Cristobal makes landfall in Louisiana

Tropical Storm Cristobal made landfall Sunday afternoon in Louisiana, where high winds, rainfall and flooding were reported in the storm’s wake.

The National Weather Service said in a statement Sunday afternoon that Cristobal would be responsible for heavy storm damage through the Mississippi Valley as it crosses the Southern U.S. early this week.

“Tropical Storm Cristobal makes landfall in Louisiana this afternoon, then tracks up the Mississippi Valley through Tuesday with impacts from heavy rain, strong wind gusts, coastal and inland flooding, and isolated tornadoes,” said the agency.

“Intense rain bands and tropical storm force winds” could be expected, the service continued.

USA Today reported that some communities near New Orleans, which has a complicated levee system to avoid flooding, were urged to evacuate ahead of the storm surge.

One tornado reportedly touched down in Florida, according to the newspaper, though minimal damage and no injuries were reported.