NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) near New Orleans had a lucky escape after a glancing blow by a tornado on 10 February 2017. Michoud, which was previously famous as the manufacturing center for the Space Shuttle external tank, is now the main stage fabrication factory for the new SLS launch vehicle.
No casualties have been reported but the facility’s buildings including the main 103 building have sustained roof damage. However, over 200 cars are reported to have been damaged, and the nearby environs including roads and trees were extensively damaged.
The Michoud Tornado. Courtesy: Still from YouTube