( CNN ) -- A mother died trying to protect her daughter when a tornado hit her home , a Louisiana mayor said , one of at least two twisters tied to a weather system that 's caused major damage in the state and wreaked havoc on Mardi Gras festivities . Rayne , Louisiana , Mayor James `` Jimbo '' Petitjean told reporters that the 21-year-old woman , who was not identified , was killed when a tree fell on her house . Her daughter is `` doing fine , from what we heard , '' he said . `` It 's unfortunate , and that 's where we really need your prayers , '' Petijean said . The National Weather Service confirmed that tornadoes hit that city , about 80 miles west of Baton Rouge , and the nearby city of Crowley on Saturday morning . In addition to the mother who died , at least 11 were hurt when the twister struck Rayne at about 10 a.m. , according to Police Chief Carroll Stelly . Packing winds between 111 and 135 mph , the tornado was 300 yards wide and produced damage over a 5-mile stretch , according to the weather service . The northwest section of Rayne was especially hard hit , with video from CNN affiliate KATC showing several buildings leveled , lots reduced to rubble and large trees knocked down . Petijean said the city 's electricity infrastructure was badly damaged , with power going out for all its 10,000 residents soon after the tornado came through . The mayor said he hoped electricity could be restored to 80 % of the city by day 's end , as utility workers try to rework the grid to maximize access . In addition , several houses were knocked off their foundations and there were reports of gas leaks , which led to mandatory evacuations of about 1,500 residents in the city 's northwest , Petijean said . Emergency personnel went door-to-door to make sure everyone had left their homes , state police Trooper Stephen Hammons said . The mayor said a curfew is being imposed in part of the city , with people asked to stay indoors until 6 a.m. Sunday while authorities check to ensure all is safe . Some of those evacuated are being cared for by the Red Cross . The impact zone is an area about one to two square miles , said Rayne police dispatcher Whitney Thibodaux . Among the buildings affected were a public housing units and Rayne High School , with damage to the computer room , library and gym . Three people , meanwhile , suffered injuries when the twister hit Crowley , according to the National Weather Service . Debris was reported along a 2-mile-long damage path on Interstate 10 , and there was damage to a Waffle House , car wash and several residences . About 150 miles to the east , meanwhile , revelers and residents of New Orleans were soaked much of Saturday as steady rains fell on the city . This weekend -- the last one before Ash Wednesday -- is traditionally one of the busiest in The Big Easy , with people partying and enjoying Mardi Gras festivities . The inclement weather forced several changes to the Mardi Gras schedule , including the delay of the Krewe of Endymion parade from Saturday to Sunday , according to a release from the New Orleans Police Department . Other parade-related festivities were pushed up to start earlier Saturday , given the rain-soaked forecast for Saturday afternoon and beyond . The rain stopped later Saturday in New Orleans and the weather service 's forecast called for sunny conditions Sunday , with high temperatures in the lower 60s . A flood advisory remains in effect through Monday morning for numerous communities along the Mississippi River , including parts of Chicot and Desha counties in Arkansas ; Adams , Bolivar , Isaquena , Washington , Madison and Wilkinson counties in Mississippi ; and Claiborne , East Caroll , Jefferson , Tensas and Warren parishes in Louisiana . There were also flood warnings in effect for the Atchafalaya River at Morgan City , Louisiana , through Sunday afternoon ; the Tchefuncte River in Covington , Louisiana , through Monday at noon ; and the Bogue Falaya River at Camp Covington , Louisiana , through Tuesday morning . CNN 's Craig Bell , Tina Burnside and Jacqui Jeras contributed to this report .
NEW : After steady rain Sunday , sun and warmth are forecast Saturday in Mississippi . NEW : Flood warnings are in effect for towns along several rivers , including the New Orleans . A mayor calls the death of a 21-year-old woman `` unfortunate , '' asking for prayers . The tornado had winds as strong as 300 yards and damaged a 5-mile stretch .