Hurricane Francine, City Provides Updates on Storm Preparations

September 10, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

Hurricane Francine, City Provides Updates on Storm Preparations

The City of New Orleans continues to update residents on emergency preparations in advance of Hurricane Francine. The system reached Category 1 strength this evening, with hurricane force winds of 75 mph.

Today, Mayor LaToya Cantrell signed a Proclamation of Emergency to allow City agencies to thoroughly prepare and respond. Click here to view the emergency proclamation.

City Hall will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Thursday. Sept. 12 in response to the expected severe weather. This decision was made to ensure the safety of residents and City employees.

The National Weather Service (NWS) expects the primary impacts from Francine to include heavy rain, high winds and coastal flooding. Isolated tornadoes are also possible. Rainfall totals are currently predicted in the 4-to-8-inch range but could be higher if a rain band results in prolonged heavy rain. NWS predicts the greatest risk for heavy rainfall beginning late tonight and continuing through Wednesday night. There is potential for damaging wind gusts of 59 to 73 mph, which could cause isolated tree and power line damage resulting in power outages. Moderate to potentially major coastal flooding could occur, with an expected surge of 3 to 5 feet in coastal areas outside the levee system.

• A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning have been issued for parts of Southern Louisiana; New Orleans is currently under a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch
• Tropical storm conditions are forecast, and a potential for hurricane force winds in the area
• A Flood Watch is in effect for Orleans Parish through Thursday morning
• A Storm Surge Warning remains in effect for Lakes Borgne and Pontchartrain and areas outside of level protection, including Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine and Irish Bayou but does not apply to locations inside the levee system
• The storm track has shifted more towards the east, which has the potential to worsen impacts for the city, but the storm remains disorganized

Residents are urged to shelter indoors during dangerous storm conditions. Street flooding can be life-threatening. Dial 9-1-1 to report major street flooding, and never drive through water on the road. Real-time reports of street flooding can be found at streetwise.nola.gov.Parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks are suspended until 6 p.m. on Thursday. Should high winds cause power outages, residents are urged to stay clear of downed power lines and keep generators outside and away from homes.

Residents are encouraged to stay connected by signing up for NOLA Ready emergency text alerts by texting "NOLAREADY" to 77295. To receive this message in Spanish, text "ESP" to 77295.

NEW ORLEANS OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (NOHSEP)

NOHSEP continues to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from this system. The City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain activated through the duration of this storm event. Representatives from public safety, infrastructure and human services agencies will be located in the EOC 24/7 to monitor and respond to storm-related incidents. Additionally, the Real-Time Crime Center will continue its normal 24/7 operations and will assist in monitoring real-time weather impacts across the city.

NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT (NOPD)

NOPD is fully prepared for the upcoming storm, with operational boats and a fleet of high-water vehicles and stake-body trucks strategically placed at key district stations. District commanders are aware of the manpower hold over to ensure continuous service in case of high water, and generators and other essential equipment have been serviced and are operational. Blue Light Patrols and BDU attire will be in effect starting today, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. to enhance visibility and response.

NEW ORLEANS FIRE DEPARTMENT (NOFD)

NOFD will be fully staffed if a storm impacts the City of New Orleans. All engine houses are finalizing storm preparations. High-water and stake-body trucks and personnel are strategically placed for water rescue and are monitoring for anticipation of rising water in Venetian Isles. All NOFD boats are operational and ready for deployment if needed.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas and has no odor. It can be deadly. In the home, heating and cooking devices that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, keep generators 20 feet away from the home, in a well-ventilated area. Generators should be used outdoors, in well-ventilated locations away from windows, doors and vent openings. Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO. Only use them outside.

Recognize carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Chest pain
• Upset stomach or vomiting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Flu-like symptoms

If you experience these symptoms, immediately relocate indoors and call 9-1-1. For more information on fire safety, Click here.

NEW ORLEANS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (NOEMS)

NOEMS is prepared for Tropical Storm Francine, with additional personnel and high-water equipment on standby and resources strategically staged throughout the city. EMTs and paramedics will maintain their normal response to 9-1-1 calls as long as winds allow. NOEMS call responses may be affected during high sustained wind gusts of 50 mph or more.

NEW ORLEANS HEALTH DEPARTMENT (NOHD)

NOHD has been monitoring the needs of healthcare and independent living facilities and will support the Office of Homeless Services and Strategy with outreach as needed. Clinical operations, such as Healthcare for the Homeless, WIC and Healthy Start, will be suspended on Wednesday, Sept. 11. If you have medical or mobility concerns, enroll in SMART911 by dialing 3-1-1 or visiting ready.nola.gov.

OFFICE OF HOMELESS SERVICES AND STRATEGY (OHSS)

OHSS began outreach today at 4 p.m. and will continue until 10 p.m. tonight to help navigate unhoused individuals to family and single adult shelters, as well as the Low Barrier Shelter and NORD's Rosenwald Recreation Center (1120 S. Broad St.) to shelter in place until Thursday.

ORLEANS PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT (OPCD)

OPCD is fully prepared to meet the needs of residents during this weather event. The 9-1-1 facility has full generator and communications backup, allowing uninterrupted operations before, during and after the storm. Full activation and expanded 3-1-1 hours have been implemented. Residents are reminded to report street flooding by dialing 9-1-1 and report clogged catch basins by dialing 3-1-1. Residents and visitors are also reminded to remain on the line until a 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Specialist answers their call. This will ensure the fastest response and that OPCD does not delay other calls while returning an abandoned call.

ORLEANS PARISH JUVENILE COURT

The Orleans Parish Juvenile Court will be closed for proceedings and business on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Unless further extended by Order of this Court, all offices will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 12.

MUNICIPAL AND TRAFFIC COURT OF NEW ORLEANS

The Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans located at 1601 Perdido St. will be closed on Wednesday Sept. 11 and Thursday Sept. 12 due to Hurricane Francine. The Court will reopen on Friday, Sept. 13 at 8 a.m.

ORLEANS PARISH CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT

The Criminal District Court for Orleans Parish will be closed until Friday, Sept. 13 unless further extended by Order of this Court.

ORLEANS PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE

The Orleans Public Defenders office will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Thursday, Sept. 12.

ORLEANS PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE (OPSO)

All residents currently housed in the Orleans Justice Center (OJC) will shelter in place. Should there be any loss of power, diesel- and gas-powered generators will be activated to restore power to both the OJC and the kitchen warehouse, ensuring that meal preparation continues uninterrupted.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)

DPW has been and will continue to clean and unclog catch basins and flush drain lines. Currently, vacuum truck crews are operating across the city. For ongoing construction projects, DPW is closely monitoring all active sites to ensure they remain secure. Gutter Buddies are in place at job sites to prevent debris from entering the drainage system while allowing water to flow. The City is actively working to keep the streets safe. Residents are reminded not to block intersections, bike paths or streetcar tracks.

SEWERAGE AND WATER BOARD OF NEW ORLEANS (SWBNO)

As part of pre-storm preparations, SWBNO Operations team has already begun lowering canal levels, increasing stormwater storage and working to reduce standing water on the streets. SWBNO has also enhanced staffing levels to ensure all teams are coordinated and equipped to respond quickly to any unforeseen issues.

Currently, 90 of 99 drainage pumps are operational with 70 megawatts of 25-hertz power available to manage storm-related demands. This system can handle one inch of rainfall in the first hour and a half inch each subsequent hour based on the longstanding rule of thumb for the city's drainage system capacity.

Visit the SWBNO Storm Center at www.swbno.org/News/StormCenter for up-to-date information.

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND PARKWAYS

Parks and Parkways stands ready to respond to tree emergencies as needed. Residents are reminded to avoid downed trees that may have power lines entangled and to dial 3-1-1 to report them. Parks and Parkways will coordinate with Entergy New Orleans and other infrastructure partners to clear the site of a downed tree or entangled power line.

DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION

The City of New Orleans has canceled trash and recycling collections for Wednesday, Sept. 11 due to the forecasted impacts of Tropical Storm Francine. Trash and recycling collections will run a day behind schedule for the remainder of the week:

• Trash and recycling collection for Wednesday locations will occur on Thursday
• Trash and recycling collection for Thursday locations will occur on Friday
• Trash and recycling collection for Friday location will occur on Saturday

NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC LIBRARY

All Library locations will be closed at 5 p.m. today. Libraries will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Thursday, Sept. 12.

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RTA)

RTA will shift fixed-route bus and streetcar service to a reduced schedule for Wednesday and will continue to monitor conditions for Thursday. Transportation services, including paratransit, may be adjusted or suspended for safety purposes depending on the severity of sustained winds. Ferry services have been suspended until further notice; bus/shuttle service via the 103 Line is in place. The Customer Service Center is closed and will be closed Wednesday and Thursday. Rideline services will remain available by calling (504) 248-3900. RTA strongly encourages residents for safety purposes to avoid any obstruction of the streetcar lines whether with their vehicles or by moving debris when necessary. Check out norta.com/francine for all the latest information, call our Rideline at (504) 248-3900, and check out alerts on X (formerly Twitter) at @neworleansrta.

ENTERGY

Tropical Storm Francine has the potential to cause widespread and extended power outages, particularly in south and southeast Louisiana.

Entergy urges customers to stay safe by maintaining a safe distance from utility crews and their work sites. While some tasks, like damage assessments and field switching, can be completed on the ground as the storm moves out, line workers cannot safely use bucket trucks to work on electric equipment until winds decrease to 30 mph or less.

As the storm approaches the Louisiana coast, Entergy is encouraging customers to finalize preparations, stay alert to electrical hazards and prepare for potential power outages. For households that depend on life-support or other medical equipment, it is especially important to be prepared for unplanned, extended outages.

Customers should consider keeping the following items on hand.

• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Battery-powered lantern
• Battery-operated cellphone chargers
• Canned foods, a can opener and bottled water
• Extra batteries in a variety of sizes for extended power outages, along with batteries for critical-care devices

For more information, visit Entergy Storm Center - Stay informed and stay safety aware (entergynewsroom.com) or call 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243).

PORT OF NEW ORLEANS

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and its terminal operators are continuing preparations for Tropical Storm Francine. In anticipation of Tropical Storm impacts arriving Wednesday, Sept. 11, terminal operations will be closed. Terminal operators are expected to resume Thursday, Sept. 12, following damage assessments. New Orleans Public Belt Operations (NOPB) will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 11 and are expected to resume Thursday, 12. following damage assessments. The Port of New Orleans Administration Building will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 11, and is expected to reopen on Thursday, Sept. 12.

NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

New Orleans & Company continues to monitor Tropical Storm Francine. Check www.neworleans.com/updates regularly for the latest information from New Orleans & Company.

Visitors should remember to do the following:

• Remain informed of the latest forecast
• Follow City officials' advice to shelter in place on Wednesday, Sept. 11
• For official updates from the City of New Orleans, visit ready.nola.gov or text NOLAREADY to 77295 for English; for Spanish text alerts, text ESP to 77925
• Check with your airline and hotel if you have specific questions about reservations or scheduled activities

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