City Hall Closes at 3 p.m. Today, All Day Tomorrow in Anticipation of Wintry Weather Impacting New Orleans

Today, Mayor Mitch Landrieu announced City Hall closed today at 3 p.m. and will be closed all day on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 in anticipation of wintry weather impacting New Orleans. 

Mayor Landrieu urges residents to stay warm and safe during winter weather moving into the New Orleans region. 

An arctic cold front is moving through the area, bringing frigid temperatures and some wintry precipitation. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory until midnight and a Hard Freeze Warning until noon Wednesday for New Orleans. A light wintry mix of sleet, snow and freezing rain is possible starting this evening. Accumulations of sleet and snow, from a trace to just under an inch, are possible along with some glazing from light freezing rain in the advisory area. All precipitation is expected to end by midnight tonight, however moisture from precipitation may turn to ice, especially on bridges and overpasses. Freezing temperatures, with wind chills in the teens are expected through Wednesday morning.

“I want to thank all of our citizens who heeded our warnings and urge everyone to continue to exercise caution until the conditions of our streets, highways and bridges are safe. Given the low temperatures, we must remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to keep our families and property safe,” Mayor Landrieu said encouraging New Orleans residents to minimize travel on roadways and bridges to avoid icy and dangerous conditions.

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has activated the Emergency Operations Center and will monitor conditions throughout the winter weather event.

Take Precautions

All residents should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Residents are urged to bring pets inside and to check on neighbors and the elderly during cold weather. To report someone in need of shelter, the public can call the New Orleans Police Department non-emergency number, 504-821-2222.

Space heaters should never be left unattended and a stove or an oven should never be used to heat the home. Residents are encouraged to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are working.

Water pipes can be damaged from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Residents and property owners are encouraged to protect against damage by insulating exposed pipes, turning off water, or running a “pencil lead thin” (1/16 inch) stream of water. More information is available in the Sewerage and Water Board’s Guide to Fighting the Freeze.

In the event of wintry precipitation, residents are asked to take extra care driving, especially on bridges and elevated roadways. The public is asked to report icy road conditions to 911.

Citywide Freeze Plan Activation

The City is activating the Citywide Freeze Plan (CFP) beginning the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 16, and ending the morning of Thursday, Jan. 18, as the National Weather Service forecasts the temperature or wind chill to fall below the plan’s activation threshold of 35 degrees. The City's freeze plan will be in effect to provide temporary overnight shelter for homeless residents. The public is asked to call the New Orleans Police Department non-emergency number, 504-821-2222, to report someone in need of shelter.

Individuals needing shelter will be accepted, free of charge, at the following locations under the following conditions:

• The Salvation Army, 4530 South Claiborne Ave. – will accept men and women beginning at 4 p.m.
• Ozanam Inn, 843 Camp St. – will accept men only beginning at 4 p.m.
• Covenant House, 611 North Rampart St. – will accept men and women between the ages of 16 to 21, their dependent children, and any woman with dependent minor children. Open 24/7.
• New Orleans Mission, 1130 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. – will accept men and women beginning at 4 p.m.

Roadways and Bridges

The City’s Department of Public Works and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) are making necessary preparations to clear roadways and bridges, if necessary. Icy conditions can create dangerous driving conditions, particularly on elevated roadways and bridges. Motorists should use extra caution when traveling during this time and should stay off the roads whenever possible. In case of any emergencies, motorists are encouraged to call 911.

Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions and closures using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). This information is also available online on the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.

Schools

The Recovery School District and the Orleans Public School Board have advised all Orleans public schools to dismiss early today. Dismissal times may differ by school and parents are encouraged to check updates from individual schools.

On Wednesday, all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Recovery School District and the Orleans Public School Board will be closed.

Southern University at New Orleans and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center closed today at 3 p.m. and will be closed all day tomorrow. 

Regional Transit Authority (RTA)

RTA riders may experience delays due to poor road conditions. For the latest information call (504) 248-3900 or follow RTA on Twitter at @NewOrleansRTA. Riders are also encouraged to visit the RTA website at www.norta.com for service alerts.

Sanitation

Regular garbage and recycling pickups will take place as normally scheduled.

New Orleans International Airport

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport remains operational. All Spirit Airlines flights after 5 p.m. today have been cancelled. Travelers are encouraged to check individual airlines’ websites for latest information on delays and cancellations.

Ready.nola.gov

Updates on winter weather and local impacts will be available at ready.nola.gov. Residents are encouraged follow @NOLAReady on Twitter and to sign up for email and text message alerts at http://ready.nola.gov/stay-connected/emergency-alerts/. For more information on winter weather preparedness, visit http://ready.nola.gov/plan/winter/.  

Important Numbers to Know

• For life threatening emergencies and downed power lines, call 911
• For real-time traffic and road condition, call 511
• Report downed traffic signals, call 504-821-2222
• Sewerage and Water Boards 24/7 line, call 504-529-2837
• To report power outages, call 1-800-968-8243 (1-800-9OUTAGE)
• To report water emergencies, call  504-529-2837 (504-52WATER)