Strong storms passed through the New Orleans metro area Wednesday morning, dropping between 5 and 7 inches of rain in about an hour and a half, causing widespread street flooding and power outages.
Flooded streets have been reported across the Jefferson and Orleans Parishes, calling back images of the devastating floods of August 2017. Many roads and underpasses have been closed in the City of New Orleans. For an updated list of those locations, check the city’s Streetwise website: http://streetwise.nola.gov/
Entergy New Orleans is reporting power outages across the region. At 10:30am, 7,601 were without power in Jefferson Parish. In Orleans Parish, 10,939 were without power.
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans said 118 of its 120 pumps were operating as of 9:00am.
All major pumps are operating and we have 118 of 120 available. Due to extreme weather and street flooding this morning, we are encouraging all customers to stay safe & delay visiting our offices. Please use online or phone services today for customer service needs. 504-52-WATER.
— SWB New Orleans (@SWBNewOrleans) July 10, 2019
A tornado was reported near the campus of the University of New Orleans around 8:20am Wednesday morning.
Tornado near the University of New Orleans. Photo by Dominique Flugence. pic.twitter.com/ldOoJ9k67I
— Tristan Baurick (@tristanbaurick) July 10, 2019
The tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service expired at 9:00am.
More rain is on the horizon. Megan Williams, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Slidell says another three inches are possible over the next 48 hours. Totals through Monday could dump another 12 inches of rain on the region, as the tropical weather system moving into the Gulf of Mexico picks up steam.
That system, which is currently labeled Potential Tropical Cyclone Two, is expected to become Tropical Storm Barry.
This post will be regularly updated.