City of New Orleans Prepares for Tropical Storm Cristobal

Today, the City of New Orleans updated residents ahead of potential Tropical Storm Cristobal this coming weekend. Governor Edwards recently issued an Emergency Declaration for the state, preparing for potential bad weather. Read more from the declaration.

A link to today’s press conference can be found by clicking here.

“The City of New Orleans continues to monitor Tropical Storm Cristobal. The likelihood of a direct impact is likely and it’s increasing. We are expecting heavy rain throughout the weekend. Local totals in an upward of 10 inches or more,” said Mayor Cantrell. “We are staying in constant communication with local, state and federal officials. Now is the time to start paying attention and get ourselves ready.”

“Currently the greatest threat here in New Orleans is expected to be heavy rainfall, minor to moderate coastal flooding, and tropical storm force winds are a high possibility. Representatives from our public safety agencies will be in our EOC 24/7 to monitor and respond to impacts,” said Collin Arnold, Director of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The following is an overview of Tropical Storm Cristobal:

• Tropical Storm Cristobal is forecast to exit the Yucatan peninsula tonight and move northward through the Gulf of Mexico over the weekend. 
• Currently, the greatest threats are expected to be heavy rainfall and minor to moderate coastal flooding.
• Wind impacts will depend on the exact track, intensity, and structure of the storm as it approaches the coast. There is potential that the greatest wind impacts could be well removed from the center of Cristobal’s track.
• The probability of sustained tropical storm force winds has risen over the last 6 hours.
• The earliest reasonable time of arrival for tropical storm winds is Saturday evening with the most likely time of arrival being Sunday during the day.
• A Flash Flood Watch, Tropical Storm Watch, and Coastal Flood Advisory are in effect for Orleans Parish. 
• Parking restrictions will be suspended on neutral grounds and sidewalks beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. Please move your vehicles to higher ground to protect from street flooding.

“The New Orleans Police Department stands prepared and ready for Tropical Storm Cristobal. We are currently at full staff. We are asking if you see standing water anywhere, we ask that you do not try and drive through it,” said Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, New Orleans Police Department.

“Our team has spent the last few days going through our Hurricane check list and I can say that we are fully prepared. Our drainage pump stations will be fully staffed throughout the event. All 99 of our drainage pumps are operational and will be available to respond to what we anticipate will be heavy rains,” said Director Ghassan Korban, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans.

In preparation for the potential storm, residents are encouraged to gather supplies to shelter in place. Residents should also prepare their properties by cleaning out catch basins, gutters, and downspouts, and securing loose objects. Be sure to secure trash and recycling bins on your property. To stay up to date with current alerts residents are encouraged to text “CRISTOBAL” to 888-777 and follow @nolaready on social media. If residents need power for medical needs call 311 to enroll in the Special Needs Registry. Stay weather alert and find updated information on ready.nola.gov.