City of New Orleans Prepares for Heavy Rain

The City of New Orleans is monitoring a disturbed tropical system interacting with a cold front that is expected to bring heavy rain to the New Orleans area Friday and Saturday. The National Weather Service forecasts two to four inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until Saturday afternoon.

Residents should prepare their properties for heavy rain: clear leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, and in front of catch basins to help rain get to the drain. To reduce risk of street flooding, do not park in front of or on a catch basin, and do not dispose of anything in a catch basin. Call 3-1-1 to report catch basins that are not fully functioning. Residents should avoid lifting a catch basin lid or inserting anything into a catch basin.

During heavy rain, drivers should 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 five miles per hour 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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