New Orleans City Hall to Close at 12 p.m. Today in Anticipation of Inclement Weather

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans announced that City Hall will close today, Jan. 8, at 12 p.m. in anticipation of inclement weather impacting New Orleans and surrounding areas. City Hall will resume normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 9.

Other than precautions taken for safety of personnel during the height of severe weather, essential City services, such as public safety and infrastructure, are not affected by this closure.   

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts strong winds of 25 to 35 mph, heavy rainfall and the potential for tornadoes and hail as part of this severe weather risk. The first round of weather is expected between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., and a second round of weather is anticipated overnight, between approximately 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. 

Flooding is a concern, with area-wide rainfall totals of two to four inches in the forecast. Also, some areas are forecast to see higher amounts of flooding as we experience multiple rounds of thunderstorms. A Flood Watch has been issued from 12 p.m. today through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan 9. Neutral ground parking in Orleans Parish is lifted from 10 a.m. today until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9. 

Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware, as further watches and warnings may be issued throughout the afternoon and night. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency text alerts from the City by texting “NOLAREADY” (one word) to 77295. Residents can also follow @NOLAReady on X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram, or sign up for email and text message alerts at ready.nola.gov/stay-connected/emergency-alerts/.     

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

Take Precautions 

All residents should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Residents are encouraged to secure trash and recycling carts after collection, secure any outdoor furniture and limit driving in these conditions when possible.  

• For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 
• To report street flooding, call 9-1-1  
• To report downed traffic signals, call 3-1-1 
• Sewerage and Water Board Emergency Line is open 24/7; call 504-529-2837 or 504-52-WATER (504-529-2837)
• To report downed power lines and/or power outages, call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) 

For more information and tips ahead of today’s inclement weather, visit ready.nola.gov/plan.

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