Tropical Storm Olga Brings Wind, Heavy Rain to New Orleans

The merging of Post-Tropical Storm Olga and a cold front brought high winds and some heavy rain to the New Orleans area overnight Friday through Saturday morning. Residents are asked to be patient and to report damage, as power outages, downed tree limbs, and other impacts have affected the city. A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect through noon today, however, all other watches and warnings have been cancelled for our area.

Power Outages

As of 9:00 a.m. Saturday, Entergy reports roughly 12,000 customers without power in Orleans Parish. Crews are working to restore power as quickly as possible. Estimated restoration times are available on the Entergy Outage Map. The New Orleans International Airport is experiencing a power outage that could result in travel delays. Travelers are asked to check their flight status directly with their airlines. 

Emergency Operations

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness continues to manage the City's Emergency Operations Center, which has been activated throughout this weather event. The New Orleans Fire Department is conducting a citywide windshield damage assessment to determine storm damage that needs to be addressed. 

The Department of Parks and Parkways is responding to over 25 reported tree emergencies. The Department of Sanitation is clearing other debris from roadways. Residents are asked to call 3-1-1 or visit nola.gov/311 to report downed trees in the public right of way. Debris in the roadway that is causing a traffic hazard should be reported to 9-1-1.

In anticipation of heavy rain during the day yesterday and overnight, the City of New Orleans lifted parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks to allow residents to move their vehicles to higher ground. Parking restrictions will go back into effect at 12:00 p.m. noon today, Saturday, October 26. When moving vehicles from the neutral ground, residents are asked to drive slowly to avoid making tracks in the ground.

Cleanup Tips

As residents begin to clean up debris in their yards, they are asked to do the following to prepare for Sanitation collection:

• Cut tree limbs and branches in four feet (or less) lengths.
• Bundle limbs and branches.
• Clear leaves and debris from in front of catch basins.
• Bag and secure leaves.

Residents are also asked to bring in their trash bins, many of which were knocked over from high winds and are in the street. Trash collection will continue as usual. 

Special Events 

The Jazz Half Marathon delayed its start time to 7:30 a.m. Street closures related to the race are expected to reopen by 11:30 a.m. More details are available at ready.nola.gov. Organizers of the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience  are working to address some wind damage on the festival grounds, however, the festival will continue. Follow @VoodooNola on social media or go to www.voodoofestival.com for updates on potential delays.

Hard Rock Hotel Collapse

The site of the Hard Rock Hotel collapse is secure. However, high winds temporarily damaged perimeter fencing, which is currently being repaired. The New Orleans Police Department continues to secure the perimeter, but residents and visitors are asked to stay away from the evacuation zone, which is bounded by both sides of Canal Street, both sides of Iberville Street, the lake side of N. Rampart Street, and the lake side of Burgundy Street. No significant impacts to the partially collapsed structure have been observed.