|
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans asks residents to remain weather aware as Hurricane Sally, expected to strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane, could bring impacts to the New Orleans area Tuesday through Wednesday. Due to a continued shift in the forecast cone to the east, rainfall totals have significantly decreased; however, there is still some uncertainty in the track. Parking on neutral grounds and sidewalks is allowed until further notice. Please do not block intersections, streetcar tracks, or bike paths.
Storm surge between 7 to 11 feet is possible in areas outside the levee system, with 3 to 5 feet anticipated in Lake Pontchartrain. For this reason, the City has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine and Irish Bayou.
A Hurricane Warning remains in effect for New Orleans, with a 70 to 90 percent chance of tropical storm force winds (sustained winds over 39 mph) in the metro area. Tropical storm winds are possible for a period of time between Monday evening through Wednesday morning. Prepare for high winds by securing trash bins, outdoor furniture and loose branches.
A Hurricane Warning, Flash Flood Watch, and Storm Surge Warning (for areas outside of the levee system) are in effect.
CITY AGENCY/PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES, CLOSURES
City Hall Operations
As of 3 p.m. today, City Hall continued with limited operations with offering City employees the option to telework, if possible. This was to ensure that both residents and City employees could make adequate storm preparations. The City will continue to monitor Hurricane Sally and provide updates for tomorrow’s operations as more information on the storm’s track is made available.
New Orleans Health Department (NOHD)
Out of an abundance of caution, this week's COVID-19 testing sites have been suspended through Tuesday, Sept. 15. This includes both drive-thru and walk-up testing sites with partners LCMC Health, United Health Care and CORE.
Emergency shelters are on standby to resume staffing efforts and operations as needed.
The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) is communicating with healthcare partners to ensure they are informed and prepared for Hurricane Sally.
NOHD is working with agency partners to ensure any evacuees who are residing in hotels and need additional medical support are accommodated.
NOHD continues to manage the high-volume 3-1-1 call center for resident's storm-related concerns and all Special Needs Registry sign-up and updates.
To sign up for the City's Special Needs Registry visit specialneeds.nola.gov or call 3-1-1.
Department of Sanitation
Today, curbside garbage and recycling collections will be completed as scheduled. City curbside garbage and recycling collections scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 15, have been cancelled. Areas scheduled for collection by the City on Tuesday will be handled on the second collection day of this week, Friday, Sept. 18. Residents are asked to remove all garbage and recycling carts and debris from the curb and secure items on their property to prevent debris from entering storm drains or the loss of the carts. We will advise residents when garbage and recycling collections will resume.
New Orleans Public Schools (NOLA-PS)
NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) announced cancellation of all distance learning classes along with the closure of NOLA-PS central office and all school buildings for Tuesday, Sept. 15, due to Hurricane Sally.
NOLA-PS had originally set Monday, Sept. 14, as the beginning of PreK-4th grade students returning to in-person learning on campuses, but those plans were delayed through at least Wednesday of this week. The return to in-person learning for these grades will be determined as NOLA-PS continues to monitor the evolving weather situation.
Due to building closures, food service will not be offered to families for pick-up on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Announcements will be made when those services will resume.
To stay up to date, residents can text SALLY to 888777 to receive updates from the City or visit ready.nola.gov.
# # #
|