The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is monitoring and preparing for potential impacts from this system. Two emergency declarations have been filed—one for this morning’s rain event and another for the potential impacts we may see from the tropical system.

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans is prepared for additional heavy rainfall. We are monitoring the system 24/7 and stand ready to make any staffing changes should circumstances require a heightened response.  All but two of the city’s 120 drainage and constant-duty pumps are available, including all major drainage pumps capable of pumping 1,000 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) or more.

Potential Tropical Cyclone Two is over the northeast Gulf of Mexico and is currently forecasted to move west-southwest and strengthen to a tropical storm by late Thursday. This system has the potential to produce impacts to portions of southeastern Louisiana, however, confidence on storm strength and movement remains low at this time.

Thunderstorms stalled over the New Orleans area this morning brining heavy rain, which led to widespread street flooding. Some parts of the city got more than eight inches of rain within three hours. Additionally, Flash Flood, Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued. Residents are asked to stay off of the roads until water recedes. 

Parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks have been suspended until further notice. Residents are reminded not to block intersections or streetcar tracks.

A low pressure system in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico is likely to develop into a tropical depression by late Wednesday or Thursday. There is still a great deal of uncertainty about the eventual path and intensity of this system. Residents are encouraged to continue to pay attention and make preparations as impacts become more clear.

Safety and Permits is advising the following protective actions in advance of any potential tropical weather activity:

• Remove construction materials from the perimeter of the building and tie them down. This includes smaller items such as tools to larger items such as dumpsters, portable bathrooms and even equipment.

A low pressure system located over the eastern Florida panhandle is forecast to move over the northeastern Gulf of Mexico later today. Once the system is over water, environmental conditions could lead to tropical cyclone formation. A tropical depression is likely to develop by late Wednesday or Thursday as the system moves west across the northern Gulf of Mexico.

The City of New Orleans continues to monitor a disturbance over the Southeastern U.S. which will move south toward the Gulf of Mexico later this week and has the potential to develop into a tropical cyclone. While it is too soon to forecast local impacts to the New Orleans area, the City of New Orleans encourages residents to review hurricane plans and prepare for rain, which is likely regardless of tropical development.

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans is prepared for potentially heavy rainfall later this week. We are monitoring the system 24/7 and stand ready to make any staffing changes should circumstances require a heightened response. Starting today, we began implementing standard testing procedures for all of our equipment to ensure that we are in the best possible position to respond to incoming weather.