People living in Southeast Louisiana said they’re planning for the weather because anytime it rains, it’s likely to flood.
“It’s very frightening. I’m sitting here counting how many sandbags I have at my house, and do I need to go out and get more?” said New Orleans resident Susan Fendlason.
A tropical system is expected to dump several inches of rain from Wednesday into the weekend, forcing people from the Westbank to the Eastbank and beyond, including Susan Henley, to take action now.
“All we can do is sandbag it and wish for the best. The last good one, I want to say it rained maybe two hours, and it got all the way up to the sidewalk. I’m worried, if it do rain hours on end, what are we going to do?” said Henley.
Henley owns Elevated The Cake Supply Boutique on General Degaulle Dr. She said, the flood watch puts her on edge because her street quickly turns into a river road.
“It’ll flood this all out to where backed-up traffic and cars get stuck,” said Henley.
Officials in both Orleans and Jefferson parishes are monitoring the potential threat, saying they are ready to respond if needed and urging people to stay on guard.
“Making sure that our drainage system is ready and as ready as it came be with both the amount of pumps that are available and the amount of power that’s available,” said Colin Arnold, New Orleans’ Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
“If streets do start to retain water, we ask residents to stay off the streets,” said Ben Lepine, Jefferson Parish Drainage Director.
As we brace for possible rainfall, people are hoping to be spared the worst.
“Give us some rain, but don’t flood us out. I hope the pumps keep on pumping,” said Henley.
READ MORE:Residents bracing for heavy rainfall and possible flooding
