New Orleans residents are preparing for the possibility of tropical weather this week.
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Forecast models are already showing signs of higher rain totals building into parts of Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas. Several inches of rain may be possible depending on how the system evolves.
Click here to view WDSU’s interactive radar.
Below is a reminder from the city of New Orleans on what to do before, during and after a flood event:
During a flood:
Avoid flood waters
- Move to higher ground.
- Don’t walk or drive through flood waters.
- If water rises around your car, abandon the car immediately.
Report flooding
- Call 911 to report street flooding and life-threatening emergencies.
- View reports of street flooding at streetwise.nola.gov.
Avoid contact with electricity
- Don’t touch electrical equipment. Every source of electricity can be dangerous during or after a flood.
Move vehicles to higher ground
During major street flooding, the city of New Orleans may suspend parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks to allow residents to move vehicles to higher ground. Unless otherwise communicated, parking restrictions will go back into effect two hours after the flooding has ended.
- Don’t block intersections or streetcar tracks.
- Don’t park on top of tree roots or under branches for your safety and the safety of our trees.
- When moving your car from the neutral ground, drive slowly so you don’t make tracks in the ground.
After a flood:
- Don’t return home until authorities say it is safe.
- Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded, and watch out for debris. Floodwaters can erode roads and walkways.
- Stay away from standing water. It might be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
- Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.
