Mayor Cantrell, City Officials Provide Update on Subtropical Storm Alberto
Today, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and City officials provided an update on Subtropical Storm Alberto.
According to the National Hurricane Center, Subtropical Storm Alberto is tracking farther east. The National Weather Service has cancelled the Tropical Storm Watch, Storm Surge Watch, and Flash Flood Watch for Orleans Parish. While the continued eastward shift of Alberto is promising, the City continues to monitor for potential impacts to New Orleans. Residents are encouraged to stay connected and prepared. Rainfall from this system is now expected to produce less than an inch of rain in New Orleans with locally higher amounts possible.
“While Subtropical Storm Alberto is shifting eastward with a lessened impact on New Orleans, this is an important reminder that hurricane season begins June 1st," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “I strongly encourage all residents to stay prepared and informed. Please monitor ready.nola.gov for any potential weather challenges that could affect New Orleans.”
Sewerage & Water Board Update
In conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City and Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB) are monitoring water levels in canals and the Lake. The Drainage System has been restored close to its full potential. Three power-generating turbines have been repaired and returned to service. Four new, electro-motive diesel (EMD) generators are on standby to back them up. Also available is a fleet of frequency changers and backup generators, both temporary and permanent. The City has 115 out of 120 drainage pumps at the ready. New Orleans' drainage system now has more power available than it has had in more than a decade. Pump stations will also be manned during an event, and the S&WB's Emergency Operation Center will be activated.
Suspension of Parking Restrictions on Neutral Grounds
The Department of Public Works (DPW) has suspended parking restrictions on neutral grounds until Monday, May 28, 2018 at 7 a.m.
Get Prepared
- Make a plan to make sure every family member knows what to do, who to call, and where to go during an emergency.
- Gather supplies you’ll need in case tropical weather requires you to shelter in place without power, running water or access to groceries.
- Stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts, watching the news, and following @nolaready on social media. Keep mobile phone near at all times to monitor updates.
- Secure or bring inside all loose outdoor objects, including lawn furniture, signs, trash, and garbage and recycling bins.
- Keep catch basins and storm drains clear of debris and dispose of leaves and other yard waste properly.
- Avoid driving as much as possible. Avoid driving through floodwaters and be careful of low visibility.
- Practice alternate routes. In a disaster, roads may be blocked, buses and city transportation shut down or re-routed, or streets impassable. Each family member should know all possible exit routes from your home and your neighborhood.
Stay Informed
The City offers multiple ways to stay up-to-date on information and get prepared. By visiting ready.nola.gov, residents can sign up for NOLA Ready alerts, which will notify residents of emergency situations including, but not limited to, evacuation information; chemical spills; shelter-in-place alerts; weather advisories; and, infrastructure issues, such as boil water advisories. Residents can tailor the alerts to specific locations, types of alerts and on which devices they will be notified.
Residents may also get accurate, up-to-the-minute information and safety tips during an emergency by following NOLA Ready on Twitter (@NOLAReady). For more information, such as how to prepare for emergency situations, visit ready.nola.gov.