In preparation for expected impacts of Hurricane Sally to the Gulf Coast region, the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority will suspend all bus and streetcar service beginning at noon on Monday, September 14th. 

The City of New Orleans continues to prepare for Tropical Storm Sally, which is expected to strengthen to a strong Category 1 hurricane and bring impacts to the New Orleans area Monday afternoon through Wednesday. A Hurricane Warning, Flash Flood Watch, and Storm Surge Warning (for areas outside of the levee system) are in effect. Text SALLY to 888777 to receive updates from the City. 

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is announcing that no in-person instruction will begin across school campuses tomorrow (Monday) due to TS Sally, as previously scheduled. All schools will remain on distance learning through at least Wednesday of this week. The District will continue to monitor TS Sally over the next 24 hours to determine if full school closures will be required.

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is ready for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Sally. Starting tomorrow at 7 a.m., we will activate our Emergency Operations Center.

Tropical Storm Sally's forecast intensity has increased. Current forecasts show Sally making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane, with impacts likely to begin Monday and last into Wednesday.

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Sally.

Currently, 98 of 99 drainage pumps are available for service. As of last night, the drainage pump at Drainage Pump Station 13 in Algiers that was under repair is now back in service. One drainage pump, located at a drainage pump station on Grant Street in New Orleans East is out of service pending electrical repairs. It is a small, 70 cfs (cubic feet per second) pump. We expect to have it repaired by tomorrow. But we know there is a chance for heavy rainfall before the repair is made.

The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is monitoring Tropical Storm Sally, which is expected strengthen to hurricane intensity and bring impacts to the New Orleans area early to mid week. Text SALLY to 888777 to receive updates from the City of New Orleans.  

A Flash Flood Watch is in effect for New Orleans. Current rainfall totals are forecast between six to ten inches, with locally higher amounts possible, which could bring flooding to the area. Residents are encouraged to prepare their properties for heavy rain and move vehicles to higher ground. Parking on neutral grounds and sidewalks will be allowed beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sep. 13. Please do not block intersections, streetcar tracks, or bike paths. In partnership with the New Orleans City Council, sandbags will be available at the following locations on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A Storm Surge Watch is in effect. Storm surge between six to nine feet is possible in areas outside the levee system, with three to six feet anticipated in Lake Pontchartrain. For this reason, the City is issuing a mandatory evacuation order for areas outside of levee protection, including Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine, and Irish Bayou. The evacuation order will go into effect at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sep. 13.

Tropical Storm Sally has formed and is expected to strengthen and bring tropical impacts to the New Orleans region early to mid week. Residents should prepare now for heavy rain, high winds, and storm surge outside the levee system.