City Suspends Parking Restrictions, Urges Residents to Prepare for Severe Weather Today
Numerous severe storms are forecast to move through the New Orleans area beginning in the afternoon on Thursday, April 18th. The City of New Orleans urges residents to prepare for inclement weather and stay alert to weather conditions.
The New Orleans area remains at risk for severe weather and heavy rainfall today. Weather impacts associated with these storms could include damaging winds, heavy rainfall, hail, and tornadoes. Rainfall totals over most of the area are expected to remain within one to three inches, although locally higher amounts of up to 5 inches will be possible. Locally heavy rainfall could lead to ponding of water in low lying areas and areas of poor drainage, as well as isolated flash flooding. A Wind Advisory will also be in effect from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. tonight for all of southeast Louisiana.
In light of the severe weather risk, several area schools are planning to dismiss early today. For a list of school closures, please click here. City Hall and other government offices will be closed at noon today due to the forecasted severe weather. Public safety departments and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will remain open. City Hall operations will resume on Monday, April 22, at the regular scheduled time.
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is in close communication with the National Weather Service and is monitoring severe weather. The Sewerage and Water Board and the Department of Public Works are making rain preparations, and vacuum trucks and crews are clearing catch basins. Residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to report clogged drains.
Parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks will be suspended beginning at 12 p.m. today and will remain suspended until 10 a.m. on Friday, April 19. 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.
Residents Encouraged to Review Storm Safety, Make Preparations, and Stay Weather Aware
Review storm safety tips to ensure your family knows what to do during severe weather.
- During severe thunderstorms, seek shelter from wind and lightning.
- In the case of a tornado warning, go to an interior room on the lowest level. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
- Never drive through flooded areas. Call 9-1-1 to report major street flooding.
Preparing your home and neighborhood before a storm can help reduce potential damage.
- Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Clear debris from in front of catch basins. Don’t lift a catch basin lid.
- Prune trees and shrubs.
- Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside.
- Secure or bring garbage bins inside.
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