City Suspends Parking Restrictions, Encourages Residents to Take Precautions during Flash Flood Watch through Monday
Residents are encouraged to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding today, Sunday August 25th until Monday August 26th.
A flash flood watch is in effect for Orleans Parish today through early Monday morning. Showers and thunderstorms are likely today with a 70% chance of precipitation. Areas of heavy rainfall are expected to produce two to four inches with locally higher amounts of five inches or higher possible. Areas that experience the higher rainfall rates and amounts will likely experience ponding of water and possible flash flooding.
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is monitoring the weather and is in close communication with the National Weather Service.
Parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks are suspended until 8:00 a.m. on Monday. Residents are reminded not to block intersections or streetcar tracks. To reduce risk of street flooding, do not park in front of or on a catch basin. Residents should not park on top of tree roots or under branches, for their own safety. Residents are also encouraged to prepare homes and neighborhoods for heavy rain by removing debris from gutters and downspouts and cleaning in front of catch basins to help rain get to the drain. 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 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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