June 17, 2021 | From City of New Orleans
City of New Orleans Continues Monitoring Potential Tropical Cyclone Three, Prepares for Rain
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans continues to monitor Potential Tropical Cyclone Three, a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico that will likely bring heavy rain and flooding to New Orleans as early as tomorrow. A tropical storm warning and a flash flood watch has been issued from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.
Monitoring low pressure disturbance
A broad area of low pressure over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is producing widespread but disorganized cloudiness, showers and thunderstorms. The National Hurricane Center expects the system to move northward towards Louisiana, likely forming a tropical depression over the west-central Gulf of Mexico tonight or early Friday morning. Regardless of development, heavy rains may begin to impact portions of the northern Gulf Coast on Friday, continuing into the weekend. According to the National Weather Service, 6 to 10 inches of rainfall will be likely, with pockets of 10 inches of rainfall possible in some areas. Isolated tornadoes will be possible both Friday and Saturday. Coastal inundation of 1-3 feet possible along the open coast, and 1-2 feet of inundation in the tidal lakes can be expected. Winds of up to 35 to 45 mph are possible Friday and throughout the weekend. These estimates are preliminary and could shift higher or lower depending how the system develops.
City prepares for rain
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has activated the Emergency Operations Center to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from this system.
City agencies and partners are also taking steps to prepare for impacts from tropical weather this weekend:
Public Works
- Crews are working extended hours today (6/17) and tomorrow (6/18). Five vac trucks are operational.
- Focus is on removing leaves and debris from in front of catch basins on major routes that are known to have heavy leaves pile up.
- Asphalt crews transitioned this week from asphalt-related work to clearing debris from in front of catch basins. Four dump trucks are operational.
- Inspectors and Construction managers are monitoring roadwork construction sites for potential hazards.
- As of today (6/17), contractors will work Friday. No Saturday work will be authorized.
- The Department of Public Works will suspend parking restrictions on neutral grounds beginning at noon Friday until further notice to allow residents in areas prone to flooding to move vehicles to higher ground. Please do not block intersections, streetcar tracks, sidewalks, or bike paths and take extra care when driving on and off neutral grounds to protect the city's tree canopy and parkways.
Capital Projects Administration
CPA has notified all contractors to engage inclement weather protocols (clean sites, secure all equipment and structures that can be impacted by high winds and flooding, etc.) at all construction sites.
Sanitation
- Prior to heavy rains occurring, residents should remove all carts/bins from the curb and secure them on their private property to avoid the loss of the containers during street flooding and debris clogging storm drains.
- Residents are reminded that carts/bins should always be removed from the public rights of way after each collection.
Parks and Parkways
- Parks and Parkways is closely monitoring the potential for tropical weather; crews are ready to respond to downed trees and branches.
- If you have downed tree(s) or large branches call 311 and always be cautious of vegetation involving power lines.
- Call Entergy for downed power lines involving trees.
Property Management
- Property Management is in the process of preparing City-owned buildings that are subject to inundation, as well as securing trash and clearing drains near City property.
- Property management staff are on standby for any weather-related repairs that are necessary.
Residents encouraged to prepare for rain and review hurricane plans
The City of New Orleans encourages residents to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Secure trash and recycling bins so that they do not topple over and spill trash into the street. Clear debris and leaves from gutters, downspouts, and in front of catch basins so that rain can get to the drain. Call 311 to report clogged catch basins.
This is a reminder that we are at the beginning of hurricane season, and now is the time to review emergency plans, gather emergency supplies, and stay informed. For emergency information, visit ready.nola.gov. To receive emergency alerts by text, email, or phone call, text NOLAREADY to 77295 or go to ready.nola.gov/alerts.
Residents who might need extra help during an emergency due to medical or mobility needs should sign up for the City’s Special Needs Registry. To register, call 3-1-1 or go to specialneeds.nola.gov.
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