Update: City Issues Additional Info Following Sat. Flooding

Today, the City of New Orleans released information following Saturday's no-notice severe weather and flooding. As much as 8 to 10 inches of rain fell in isolated areas of the city within three to four hours.  Many neighborhoods of the city saw rainfall amounts equaling a 1 percent chance of occurring in any year, a so-called 100-year event. Others saw rainfall amounts equaling a 10 percent chance of occurring in any year, a so-called 10-year event. The rate of rainfall in many neighborhoods of the city was one of the highest recorded in recent history. There was widespread street flooding across the city, including in Gentilly, Lakeview, Mid City, Treme and the CBD.  

The City is encouraging residents to clean in front of their catch basins. Additionally, City sanitation crews are doing street sweeps and cleaning neutral grounds.

The City will keep residents updated through email alerts and on Twitter @NOLAReady. Residents can sign up to receive emergency notifications from the City via phone, text or email.

Residents in need of assistance can call 311 or visit ready.nola.gov for a list of community organizations offering aid. 

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES

The City's Office of Economic Development is currently conducting preliminary damage assessments of businesses. Small business owners are encouraged to contact (504) 658-4200.

Additionally, the City's Office of Resilience and Sustainability and NOLA Ready have formed the New Orleans Building Hardening Guide on how to protect businesses from high winds, flooding, fire, winter weather, and hail. These techniques range from very minor, inexpensive retrofits to more complicated measures which require the assistance of a licensed professional. Click here to view the guide.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Community organizations are our partners in preparedness and response. For a list of ways to get engaged and volunteer, please click here.

ROAD CLOSURES

There are currently no road closures. As intermittent rain continues, residents are reminded to use caution when driving through affected areas. According to the National Weather Service, New Orleans is expected to experience showers and thunderstorms today until approximately 7 p.m.

SANITATION, DEBRIS AND OTHER INFORMATION

The public is encouraged to call 311 for general information and to report non-life threatening emergencies such as sidewalk and road problems or debris. 311 hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Sanitation collection will occur as scheduled.

For properties eligible for collection by the City:

• During the 2nd collection this week, the Sanitation Department will pick up bulky waste including debris, carpeting and other large items. Residents are encouraged to inform 311 of bulky waste pickup needs. 
• Tree limbs, branches and carpeting must be cut in four feet (or less) lengths and bundled.  Tree limbs cannot be more than 12 inches in diameter.
• Leaves should be bagged and the bags secured. 
• Garbage and recycling carts should be secured on the associated property, between collections, to avoid spillage during heavy winds, rains and flooding.

FILING CLAIMS

The City has compiled basic information on what to do after flooding: https://nola.gov/ready/updates/heavy-rains-and-flooding-in-new-orleans-stay-safe/. The City reminds residents to document damage by taking photos.  

CLEANING FLOODED PROPERTY SAFELY

Residents are encouraged to clean flooded property safely and as soon as possible to prevent further damage. View the NOLA Ready guide to cleaning up after a flood: https://nola.gov/getattachment/Ready/Updates/update/Post-disaster-clean-up-book.pdf/

Please visit ready.nola.gov for more information.