City of New Orleans Urges Residents to Prepare for Heavy Rain

Heavy rain is likely in New Orleans on Saturday, Dec. 8, with a total of two to four inches forecast for the area and locally higher amounts possible. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch, which will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Residents are advised to prepare for heavy rain.

Ahead of rain, residents are urged to clean out gutters, downspouts, and in front of catch basins to reduce the risk of flooding. Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight and until further notice, parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks will be suspended. Residents are reminded not to block intersections or streetcar tracks.

During heavy rain, use caution around areas prone to significant street flooding, like streets under bridges and overpasses. The New Orleans Police Department will ticket motorists who drive faster than 5 mph on streets with standing water. Due to the potentially severe danger that could result from high water, residents should call 9-1-1 to report street flooding and life-threatening emergencies. Reports of street flooding are shown in real time at streetwise.nola.gov.

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