Marco to Impact NOLA Monday, Presumably as a Category One Hurricane; Laura to Follow
NEW ORLEANS — Tropical Storm Marco--expected to strengthen to a category one hurricane--is now tracking to the east, with impacts in New Orleans likely Monday, including heavy rain, coastal flooding, and strong winds. Following Marco, Tropical Storm Laura is currently forecast to significantly impact our area Wednesday and Thursday with potentially major coastal flooding, damaging winds, and heavy rain.
The City of New Orleans is urging residents to prepare to shelter in place and to have emergency supplies on hand for the remainder of the week. A Hurricane Watch and Storm Surge Watch (for areas outside of levee protection) are currently in effect for Orleans Parish.
Tropical storm force winds from Marco are most likely to begin Monday morning. Residents are encouraged to be ready to shelter in place during damaging winds and to prepare for potential power outages by gathering non-perishable food items, charging electronic devices, and signing up for the Special Needs Registry if power-dependent for medical devices.
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 Watch is in effect, with the current projection of three to six feet of coastal flooding possible.
With heavy rain possible from both Marco and Laura, residents are encouraged to move vehicles to higher ground. Starting at 6 p.m. Sunday and until further notice, parking will be allowed on neutral grounds and sidewalks. Please do not block intersections, streetcar tracks, or bike paths. Residents should call 3-1-1 to report clogged catch basins.
Residents encouraged to prepare for impacts
The City of New Orleans encourages residents to gather emergency supplies and prepare for the potential of heavy rain and high winds next week.
Gather what you’ll need to shelter in place
- Non-perishable food for 5 days
- 5 gallons of water per person
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- Matches or lighter
- First Aid Kit
- Week’s supply of prescription medications
- Radio (battery operated or hand crank)
- Books & games
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should also include face coverings, hand sanitizer, and disinfectants in your home kit to prevent the spread during recovery activities.
Clean your property and street
- Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Clear debris from catch basins. Report clogged catch basins to 311.
- Prune trees and shrubs.
- Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside.
- Secure or bring garbage bins inside.
- Move possessions to your highest floor.
- Photograph your property for insurance purposes.
Stay connected
- Text LAURA to 888777 for updates from the City of New Orleans.
- Visit ready.nola.gov for ongoing updates.
- Follow @nolaready on social media.
# # #
|
