City of New Orleans Announces Preparations Ahead of Tropical Storm Francine

September 9, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City of New Orleans Announces Preparations Ahead of Tropical Storm Francine

NEW ORLEANS - Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by members of the New Orleans City Council, New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) Director Collin Arnold, other emergency preparedness agencies and tourism industry leaders to update residents on the developments and preparations ahead of Tropical Storm Francine.

To view the full Tropical Storm Francine press conference, visit the City's Instagram page. Click here to view the Spanish translation.

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-6-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 Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday night. There is potential for damaging winds of 35 to 59 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 2 to 4 feet in coastal areas outside the levee system.

• Hurricane and Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of Southern Louisiana; New Orleans is currently under a Tropical Storm Watch
• A Flood Watch is in effect for Orleans Parish Tuesday morning through Thursday morning
• A Storm Surge Watch remains in effect for Lake Borgne 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 City of New Orleans urges residents to complete any necessary preparations, such as gathering supplies and moving outdoor furniture, by Tuesday evening. 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 further notice. 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 beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. 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.

Sandbags will be distributed tomorrow Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until supplies are gone, at the following locations:

• Dryades YMCA, 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
• Saint Maria Goretti Church, 7300 Crowder Blvd.
• St. Leo the Great, 2916 Paris Ave.
• Desire/Florida Multipurpose Center, 3250 Industry St.
• Arthur Monday Center, 1111 Newton St.

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 Tuesday, 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.

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 Smart, may 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 will begin conducting outreach Tuesday, Sept. 10 with unhoused individuals to assist with transporting them to the NORD Rosenwald Recreation Center (1120 S. Broad St.) at 4 p.m. 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 will be implemented if required. 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 an OPCD Emergency Communications Specialist answers their call. This will ensure the fastest response and that OPCD doesn't delay other calls while returning an abandoned call.

ORLEANS PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE (OPSO)

OPSO is fully prepared with a comprehensive emergency plan in place. All Orleans Justice Center (OJC) residents will shelter in place inside the facility. All essential personnel have been placed on alert to ensure sufficient staffing inside the jail facility. OPSO will move about 176 residents who are currently housed in the Temporary Detention Center and Temporary Mental Health Pod to a secure Department of Corrections facility off site. In the event power is lost while residents are sheltering in place, diesel- and gas-powered generators will be activated to restore power to the OJC and the kitchen warehouse where meals are prepared.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)

DPW has been and will continue to clean and unclog catch basins and flush drain lines in flood-prone areas. 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.

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

Sanitation operations and emergency debris contractors are on stand-by to respond to this weather event as needed. Curbside solid waste and recycling collections are continuing to operate as scheduled. However, collections may be suspended should operating conditions become unsafe. Residents are advised to secure trash and recycling carts ahead of the storm event.

REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RTA)

RTA is on standby. ​RTA will coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard to determine when ferry service will be suspended due to weather conditions. Shifting fixed bus routes and streetcar service to a reduced service schedule on Wednesday is anticipated. RTA will communicate service adjustments in real-time via its Le Pass app, norta.com website, and in partnership with NOLA Ready. ​RTA will be ready to assist with point-to-point demand/emergency transportation upon request post storm should the need arise. Visit online at norta.com/servicealerts.

ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS (ENO)

ENO stands ready to respond to any potential outages as soon as it is safe to do so. ENO bucket trucks cannot operate safely until the winds drop below 30mph. Once the storm passes, ENO will conduct damage assessments and work to restore any outages as quickly and safely as possible. Residents are encouraged to download the Entergy app on cellphones to report outages and check on the status of power at homes or businesses. Visit ENO Storm Center online at https://www.entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/

NEW ORLEANS & COMPANY

New Orleans & Company continues to monitor the newly formed Tropical Storm Francine. All official updates for the tourism industry will be posted at www.neworleans.com/updates.

Visitors should remember to do the following:

• Remain informed of the latest forecast
• Know that New Orleans & Company and all of our partners have been through tropical weather many times and we are well prepared and ready
• Check with your airline and hotel if you have specific questions about reservations or scheduled activities

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