April 9, 2024 | From City of New Orleans
City Hall Closed to Public Tomorrow, April 10 in Anticipation of Severe Weather Impacts
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced that in anticipation of severe weather impacting New Orleans and the surrounding areas, City Hall and other City buildings will be closed to the public on Wednesday, April 10. City services will remain open virtually. City Hall will resume normal operations on Thursday, April 11, unless otherwise indicated.
The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts that an enhanced to moderate risk of severe weather will enter the New Orleans area as early as 7 a.m. Wednesday morning and exit as late as 7 p.m. Wednesday evening. Possible threats include damaging winds of 60+ mph, isolated tornadoes, large hail and flash flooding. Areas north of I-10 have the potential for damaging winds of 70+ mph. Residents are encouraged to stay weather aware, as further watches and warnings may be issued throughout the day.
High rainfall rates of 4-6 inches and hour and associated localized flooding are also a concern. Neutral ground parking restrictions in Orleans Parish will be lifted on Wednesday, April 10 from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Other than precautions taken for the safety of personnel during the height of severe weather, essential City services, such as public safety and infrastructure, are not affected by this closure. The City Sanitation Department and its contractors are monitoring weather conditions, and as of now, trash pick-up will occur as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10. If this changes, the City will notify residents as soon as possible.
Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) reports that drainage operations crew have been preparing for increased levels of rain, including lowering drainage canal levels. These efforts will continue throughout the day. SWBNO Power Operations also brought Turbine 6 online this morning in anticipation of high wind potentials. In the event of an Entergy power loss, SWBNO drinking water pumps and other critical operations have a back-up source of 60Hz power available. Turbine 5 is also already up and running; SWBNO has exercised key generators, including the EMDs, to ensure they are ready to run if needed.
Take Precautions
All residents should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from the potentially dangerous effects of this weather. Residents are encouraged to secure trash and recycling carts after collection, secure any outdoor furniture and limit driving in these conditions when possible.
- For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1
- To report street flooding, call 9-1-1
- To report downed traffic signals, call 3-1-1
- Sewerage and Water Board Emergency Line open 24/7, call 504-52-WATER (504-529-2837) to report leaks and other water-related emergencies
- To report downed power lines and/or power outages, call 1-800-9Entergy (1-800-968-8243)
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency text alerts from the City by texting “NOLAREADY” to 77295. Residents can also follow @NOLAReady on Twitter and Instagram or sign up for email and text message alerts at ready.nola.gov/stay-connected/emergency-alerts/.
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