As Tropical Storm Marco weakens, the City of New Orleans remains vigilant in preparations for Tropical Storm Laura, which could bring coastal flooding, rain, and winds to the area Wednesday and Thursday of this week. Residents are encouraged to continue to finish preparations ahead of the storm.

The latest update from the National Hurricane Center shows steady weakening of Tropical Storm Marco with a forecast track still taking the system toward the Southeast Louisiana coastline. Impacts are still very possible across the area today and tonight.  Heavy rain could result in isolated flash flooding across the area. Storm surge/coastal flooding will be possible for coastal areas. Gusty winds could blow around loose objects and result in isolated power outages. Impacts from Marco could make preparations for Tropical Storm Laura more difficult.

The City of New Orleans continues to prepare for impacts from Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. Residents are encouraged to wrap up their preparations this evening.

A Tropical Storm Warning, Flash Flood Watch, and Storm Surge Warning (for areas outside of the levee system) are in effect in Orleans Parish. Residents in areas outside the levee protection system should evacuate by 6 p.m. tonight ahead of predicted 4 to 6 feet of coastal flooding.

Regional Transit Authority will suspend Streetcar service at 4 p.m. on Sunday August 23, followed by a full transit system suspension which will go into effect at approximately 2 a.m. on Monday, August 24.

Department of Safety and Permits is advising all construction projects to take protective actions in advance of tropical weather.

A major factor in urban flooding is debris clogging storm drains. DSP asks that any storm drains near job sites are free of any debris and that any potential wind-or water-borne materials or debris are removed from the job site or secured in advance of any weather systems.

In preparation of Tropical Storm Marco, the Flood Protection Authority East is set to close several gates within the flood protection system by 10:00 PM tonight.

All 99 drainage pumps available for service; SWBNO offices closed tomorrow, August 23, 2020

NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) is announcing school closures and cancelation of all school-based activities for Monday and Tuesday of this week due to Tropical Storm Marco.

Residents who live outside of levee protection, including in Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine, and Irish Bayou, are encouraged to voluntarily evacuate by 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect, with four to six feet of storm surge anticipated.

No major adjustments with the latest 4AM update for Tropical Storm Marco as impacts continue to remain likely across the area during the Monday/Tuesday time frame. Heavy rain could result in isolated flash flooding. Storm surge will be possible for areas outside of levee protection. Gusty winds could blow around loose objects and result in isolated power outages. Impacts from Marco could make preparations from Tropical Storm Laura more difficult.