City of New Orleans Provides Update
Following Severe Weather Event
NEW ORLEANS – The City of New Orleans is continuing response and recovery operations following severe weather that moved through the area overnight and into the morning hours.
Strong thunderstorms moved through the New Orleans area overnight and into the morning hours, bringing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornado activity. Multiple severe weather watches and warnings were issued throughout the event, including a tornado warning for Orleans Parish after a tornado was confirmed near the University of New Orleans (UNO). No major damage reported at this time. While the threat of severe weather has passed, a flood watch remains in effect until 7 a.m., Friday, and residents are encouraged to continue exercising caution in areas prone to flooding.
The New Orleans Office of Coordination and Emergency Management (NOCEM) remains activated and continues to coordinate response and recovery operations through the City’s Emergency Operations Center (CEOC). NOCEM is working with city departments and partner agencies to assess impacts, coordinate resources and support recovery efforts across the city.
Impacts from Tropical Storm Arthur resulted in power outages affecting approximately 1,400 customers in Orleans Parish as of 8:45 a.m. Entergy crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service.
Residents are urged to avoid areas with downed power lines. For the latest on outage and restoration information, please visit the outage map online and check for updates at entergy.com/stormcenter
All New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) stations remain operational and have power. NOFD will begin conducting windshield assessments to identify storm-related impacts throughout the city. Two high water vehicles remain available for deployment if needed.
NOPD
New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is on the scene of Metairie Road at Pontchartrain Blvd. (near Zea’s Restaurant) as of 8:30 a.m. where power lines are down. Metairie Road is closed in both directions. Entergy has been notified and working on restoring power to the area.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in full operation and not storm related calls.
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) is fully operational following Tropical Storm Arthur.
Earlier today, we experienced a brief interruption of our 25-Hz power system, which temporarily affected drainage and potable water pumping operations. SWBNO crews responded immediately and successfully restored service within approximately one hour. We are continuing to investigate the cause of the issue and will continue providing updates as available.
At no time was drinking water quality compromised, and there were no impacts to customers drinking water.
Our drainage, water, and sewerage systems are currently operating normally.
Additionally, SWBNO's Customer Service Centers located at 625 St. Joseph St. and 4021 Behrman Pl. will open today at 10:00 a.m.
Customers are encouraged to stay informed by visiting SWBNO's website and official social media channels for the latest updates.
Please report and water or sewer related issues to 504-52WATER (529-2837), and report clogged catch basins by calling 311 or using the FloodTracker on our website.
Parks and Parkways is receiving numerous reports of storm-related tree damage, particularly in the 70124 and 70122 ZIP codes. While impacts appear concentrated in these areas, damage is significant.
City arborists are actively assessing damage, and Parks and Parkways crews are working to clear affected roadways and remove hazards. Debris removal efforts will be prioritized based on public safety needs, including blocked streets, damage to private property and other urgent hazards before broader debris collection operations begin.
Parks and Parkways is coordinating with additional city and regional partners to support debris removal efforts. Residents should expect cleanup operations to continue through the coming days as crews work through affected areas.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) reports no roadway damage, sign damage, or other impacts to DPW-managed infrastructure at this time.
At approximately 9:19 a.m., a traffic signal at the intersection of Allen Toussaint Boulevard and St. Bernard Avenue was reported down. DPW crews responded and have already removed the signal from the roadway.
Crews will continue monitoring conditions and conducting assessments throughout the city.
Of the City’s service providers, IV and Richards are operating as scheduled. Waste Pro reported flooding in Kenner, resulting in service delays. Their trucks are now on the road.
Residents in the Lower Ninth Ward, Holy Cross and Pines Village should expect delays in trash collection services.
Sanitation crews are actively clearing storm-related debris on Marconi Drive, Metairie Road and Allen Toussaint Boulevard.
Crews will continue to monitor conditions throughout the city and provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) experienced minor weather-related service impacts. However, no infrastructure damage has been reported.
The St. Charles and Canal streetcar lines are clear, with no debris on or near the tracks. All streetcar service is operating normally.
Several bus routes experienced temporary impacts due to localized flooding and debris. Route #31 Leonidas/Gentilly experienced a brief detour because of high water near the Florida Avenue underpass at Paris Avenue but has since resumed its regular route.
Currently, two routes remain on detour:
• Route #52 Paris/Broadmoor due to a downed tree.
• Route #202 Airport due to high water on Veterans Boulevard.
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