New Orleans and other areas in southeast Louisiana are preparing for heavy rainfall this week as a tropical disturbance moves through the Gulf of Mexico toward the Louisiana coast.
At 8 a.m. Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said a broad area of low pressure was moving west across the Florida Panhandle. It’s expected to continue westward over the Gulf and may emerge or redevelop over the far northeastern to north-central Gulf by Wednesday afternoon or evening, potentially reaching the Louisiana coast by Thursday.
If the system moves far enough offshore, conditions could become favorable for further development. A tropical depression may form in the next couple of days before the system moves fully inland. If it strengthens into a tropical storm, it will be named Dexter.
Forecast models show that up to 10 inches of rain could fall in some areas between Wednesday and Saturday, particularly along the coast. Rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected north of the I-10/12 corridor, and 3 to 5 inches are expected to the south, according to the National Weather Service.
A flood watch will be in effect for much of southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi from 1 p.m. Wednesday through early Saturday.
According to WDSU, heavy rain could arrive as early as Wednesday evening, with the most intense storms expected Thursday and Friday. Much of the area will be under a level 1 (marginal) flood risk on Wednesday. The South Shore faces a slight risk of flooding Thursday. By Friday, New Orleans will be under a level 2 risk, with a level 3 (moderate) risk just to our west.
Entergy said it’s closely monitoring the disturbance and is ready to respond to any outages with crews, materials and other resources in place.
“As we begin to put our plans into place, we are urging our customers to take the potential of severe weather seriously and stay prepared,” said Shelton Hudson, vice president of reliability for Entergy in Louisiana. “Now is not the time to let your guard down – please take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of your family and your home.”
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) will lower canal levels to increase stormwater storage and has increased staffing to improve storm response. With 86 of 93 pumps operational, the drainage system is prepared for heavy rainfall, though intense storms exceeding capacity may still cause street flooding.
Residents can monitor real-time pumping and power status on SWBNO’s online dashboard.
New Orleans residents can stock up on sandbags at the following locations around the city:
District B
Dryades YMCA Parking Lot, 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
District C
Arthur Munday Center, 1111 Newton Street
District D
St. Raymond & St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2916 Paris Avenue
Desire Florida Community Center, 3250 Industry Street
District E
Andrew P. Sanchez & Copelin-Byrd Multi-Service Center (Back Lot), 1616 Caffin Avenue
Maria Goretti Catholic Church Parking Lot, 7300 Crowder Boulevard
