City Suspends Parking Restrictions, Urges Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather

Heavy rain and storms, some which may be severe, are forecast to continue to move through the New Orleans area today. The City of New Orleans urges residents to stay weather aware during storms.

The National Weather Service has issued an Areal Flood Advisory in effect until 7:00 p.m., including parts of Orleans Parish. An Areal Flood Watch is also in effect for the entire parish until midnight tonight. That means heavy rain from storms could cause street flooding. The line of storms could also bring severe threats including high winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is in close communication with the National Weather Service and is monitoring severe weather.

New Orleans residents are urged to stay weather aware and prepare for heavy rain and storms. Effective immediately, parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks are suspended until 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 5. 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.

Stay up to date by signing up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts or by following us on Twitter @nolaready.