Updated: City Makes Additional Reminders Following Saturday Flooding
Today, the City of New Orleans released the 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.
Heavy thunderstorms Saturday caused significant rainfall throughout various parts of the City. The rainfall recorded August 5, 2017 included: Broadmoor- 5.49 inches, Mid City- 9.43 inches, St. Bernard- 5.74 inches, Gentilly- 3.94 inches, Lower Nine- 3.64 inches, Lakeview- 4.71 inches, City Park- 4.96 inches, Lower Coast Algiers- 1.54 inches, New Orleans East- 0.74 inches, St. Roch- 5.62 inches, and the Hollygrove area- 2.07 inches.
There were no reports of loss of life and only minor injuries.
Public safety agencies including New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department and New Orleans Emergency Medical Services responded to over 200 emergency calls related to flooding.
According to the National Weather Service, the City of New Orleans may continue to experience isolated heavy rainfall today, August 6, 2017. With current ground saturation levels, residents should prepare for some additional street flooding and ponding of water. Residents are advised to use caution around areas prone to significant street flooding during severe weather such as streets under bridges and overpasses.
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 the
@NOLAReady Twitter account.
Residents in need of assistance can call the American Red Cross at 504-620-3105.
ROAD CLOSURES
There are currently no road closures. However, the City's is working to clear areas affected by yesterday's flooding of stranded vehicles and debris. Residents are reminded to continue to use caution when driving through affected areas.
Intersections cleared of abandoned vehicles include:
- 1600 and 1700 Basin St. at N. Claiborne Ave.
- N. Broad St. at Orleans Ave.
- N. Broad St. at Esplanade Ave.
- Tulane Ave. at S. Broad Ave.
- Tulane Ave. at Jefferson Davis Pkwy.
- Bienville St. at Jefferson Davis Pkwy.
- N. Broad Ave. at St. Bernard Ave.
- St. Bernard Ave. to N. Claiborne Ave.
- N. Claiborne Ave. (Both sides to Canal St.)
Areas completed or in progress of debris clearing include:
- A.P. Tureaud Ave.
- Broad St. (A.P. Tureaud Ave. to Tulane Ave.)
- N. Claiborne Ave. (Poydras St. to Elysian Fields Ave.)
- Frenchmen St.
- Rampart St. (Canal St. to Esplanade Ave.)
- Elysian Fields Ave. (Decatur St. to N. Claiborne Ave)
- Esplanade Ave. (Decatur St. to Rampart St.)
- Canal St. (City Park Ave. to N. Claiborne Ave.)
- St. Bernard St. (I-610 to Carrollton Ave.)
- Tulane Ave. (Claiborne Ave. to Carrollton Ave.)
- Earhart Expressway/Calliope St. (Convention Center Blvd. to Orleans Parish Line)
PUMPS
In conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City and the Sewerage and Water Board monitor water levels at drainage pump stations, in the outfall canals and in Lake Pontchartrain. The City’s drainage system capacity can handle one inch of rainfall the first hour and a half-inch in subsequent hours.
The Sewerage & Water Board has reported that all 24 of its pumping stations were on and working throughout yesterday's event.
The temporary pump stations at the 17th Street Canal, London Avenue Canal and Orleans Avenue Canal were not operational as they are intended for use during a tropical storm surge event when the flood gates are closed. They are not operational during heavy rains only.
STRANDED & IMPOUNDED VEHICLES
Stranded vehicles and debris are making some intersections impassable. Residents with stranded vehicles in the middle of the roadway or an intersection are expected to move their vehicles to the side of the road, preferably a parking lane, immediately. To reopen traffic flow, the Department of Public Works and NOPD may have to "courtesy tow" vehicles to the side of the roadway. Additionally, some vehicles abandoned on interstate or major roadway ramps may have to be towed to the City's impound lot, but residents will not be charged to retrieve vehicles.
Vehicles impounded as a result of Saturday's flooding have been moved to the City's Auto Pound lot located at 400 N. Claiborne Ave. Owners must present ID to pick up their vehicles. The lot hours are 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. There is no charge for this service.
PARKING ON NEUTRAL GROUND
With additional rain expected today, residents will be allowed to park on the neutral ground, so long as to not block intersections or to park on streetcar tracks. All vehicles must be removed, however, by midnight tonight so that RTA and other services can operate as normal on Monday morning.
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 will continue taking calls from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. tonight.
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
CLEANING FLOODED PROPERTY SAFELY