NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A large cluster of heavy rain is moving in from the Gulf of Mexico, seeming to take aim at New Orleans.
The foreboding images of the incoming storm bands from Harvey were lighting up weather radar screens early Tuesday — the 12th anniversary of the day Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Plaquemines Parish on Aug. 29, 2005.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for all of southeast Louisiana, southwest Mississippi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Thursday. Forecasters say up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain will be possible through Thursday, with higher amounts possible.
Forecasters also warn of isolated tornadoes in Louisiana, especially in areas near the coast.
Although Louisiana doesn't appear to be facing a threat on par with Harvey's catastrophic toll in Texas, images of flood devastation in Houston revived painful memories for survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
"It really evoked a lot of emotions and heartbreak for the people who are going through that now in Houston," Ray Gratia said as he collected sandbags for his New Orleans home, which flooded from the massive hurricane that left much of the city underwater for weeks.
Rhonda Wylie loaded sandbags into her car with help of firefighters Monday as rain bands neared New Orleans. Wylie's home flooded earlier this month during a deluge that exposed problems with the city's pump and drainage system. New Orleans was on the outskirts of Harvey's rain bands Monday, but residents were on edge because the pumping system still wasn't working at full capacity.
"I just felt like I needed to take all precautions this time," she said as homeowners picked up sandbags from local fire stations.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said a recently repaired pump failed Monday during Harvey's heavy rains. Landrieu added that most pumps were working, and the city is continuing with efforts to improve the pumping system.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told reporters that he expects the threat to rise as outer rain bands sweep into Louisiana, adding, "This is going to play out over several days."
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for all of southeast Louisiana, southwest Mississippi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast through Thursday. Forecasters say up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain will be possible through Thursday, with higher amounts possible.
Forecasters also warn of isolated tornadoes in Louisiana, especially in areas near the coast.
President Donald Trump, moving to expedite federal disaster assistance, issued a federal emergency declaration Monday for five parishes in southwest Louisiana. Maj. Aaron Duplechin said the Louisiana Army National Guard had deployed 19 trucks and four boats to Calcasieu Parish, in addition to helping evacuate the Coushatta Indian Reservation near Kinder.
– by AP Reporters Jeff Amy and Michael Kunzelman
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Today, Mayor Landrieu released the following statement on the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina:
“Today marks the 12th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a flood that changed the lives of every New Orleanian forever,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “We lost 1,800 fellow Americans, and the devastation we experienced was great. But in the wake of that tragedy, we witnessed unbelievable acts of heroism and compassion from across this great country and the world. No city welcomed more New Orleanians following Katrina than Houston, and our hearts break for them as Hurricane Harvey displaces so many of their citizens. As they and others around the world were our refuge in a time of trouble, we will observe this somber anniversary by praying for our fellow Americans who are in need, and we will do all we can to help them stand back up. Over the past 12 years, we have fought every day to rebuild New Orleans not as she was, but better and stronger than before. Today, we are a resilient city with greater resolve, but we remain vigilant in the face of another threatening storm. While this is a somber day for New Orleanians, the determination and spirit of our people gives us great hope for the future.”
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Mayor Mitch Landrieu, along with city officials, provided an update on Tropical Storm Harvey. On Saturday, Harvey was downgraded to a tropical storm and drifted southeast just off the mid-Texas coast through Monday night. It will then move northeast through Wednesday morning with minimal strengthening, city reps said.
Mayor Landrieu is advising residents to stay home and shelter in place today due to heavy rainfall associated with Harvey.
Heavy rainfall remains the primary concern for New Orleans through the week, with stronger storms possible overnight through Wednesday, city reps said. A total of five to 10 inches of rainfall is expected throughout the week, although rain bands could produce considerably more rain in isolated areas. Higher winds should also be anticipated in these rain bands.
Some of the rainfall will likely occur in short periods of time potentially leading to flash flooding, city reps said. Currently, a flash flood watch is in effect in the New Orleans area through Thursday. Additionally, a tornado watch was in effect for New Orleans through last night.
Residents are allowed to park on the neutral ground and sidewalks, as long as vehicles do not block intersections or streetcar tracks, city reps said. As always during Hurricane Season, residents are reminded to make a plan and to have at least three days’ worth of supplies, including water, food and medications on hand.
Any changes in track and intensity could change the impacts for the area, so residents are advised to stay tuned to NOLA Ready and the National Weather Service for updates, city reps said.
City Hall, NORD Facilities to Close Tuesday
The City of New Orleans announced City Hall, NORD facilities and other city offices will be closed today, Tuesday, Aug. 29, in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
Emergency personnel will operate as normal and will not be affected by this closure.
The city will provide an update on when normal business hours will resume as soon as that information becomes available.
School Schedules
In anticipation of heavy rainfall, the following schools will be closed today:
• All Orleans Parish School Board schools
• All Recovery School District schools
• All Archdiocese of New Orleans schools
• Delgado Community College
• Dillard University
• Loyola University of New Orleans
• LSU Health Sciences Center
• Tulane University
• University of New Orleans
• Xavier University of Louisiana
For updates on school closure information
Update on Drainage System
Sewerage & Water Board (S&WB) and its contractors continue to work around the clock to repair all power and pumps, city reps said. Contractors completed repairs to another large drainage pump at the Lower Coast Algiers Station Monday, however Pump C at Drainage Pump Station 6, which was recently repaired, went down again yesterday. Crews were dispatched to repair it again. At this time, 106 of the 120 pumps are available to be operational in the event of heavy rainfall.
Updates on pump availability can be found here
S&WB has also brought one turbine back online, scheduled another turbine to return to service today and secured and mobilized 26 backup generators. The city has also secured contractors to provide additional manpower so that in the event of an incident, all stations will be properly manned. While the drainage has continually improved since the Aug. 5 flooding, the city’s drainage and pumping system remains in a state of diminished drainage pumping capacity until turbines and pumps are fully restored, city reps said.
On Aug. 17, the City of New Orleans presented an approximately $26 million plan from Mayor Landrieu to clean and fix thousands of catch basins, provide an early warning system for underpass flooding and conduct a comprehensive analysis of the problems that led up to the July 22 and Aug. 5 floods. The funding also allowed for the Department of Homeland Security to preposition assets in advance of Harvey.
How to Help Texans Affected by Hurricane Harvey
The City of New Orleans, in partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, reactivated the NOLA Pay it Forward Fund to provide support to affected areas in Texas and Southwest Louisiana. Those interested in donating to the fund can go here.
Donors can also contact Allie Betts, donor relations manager at the Greater New Orleans Foundation, at (504) 598-4663 or email allie@gnof.org
For other ways to assist Texans impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Sandbag Locations
Sandbags are available for pickup at the following New Orleans Fire Department stations until further notice:
• Station 13: 987 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
• Station 16: 2000 Martin Luther King Blvd.
• Station 17: 4115 Woodland Ave.
• Station 27: 2118 Elysian Fields Ave.
• Station 36: 5403 Read Road
The City’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and New Orleans Fire Department have distributed more than 35,800 sandbags since starting sandbag distribution on Aug. 14, city reps said.
City Assets
The city currently has nearly 40 boats and more than 20 high-water vehicles along with other rescue supplies staged at various fire and police stations, and EMS headquarters should the need for search and rescue arise. Additionally, the NOPD pre-staged 146 brand new barricades in flood-prone areas to prevent drivers from going into areas with high water. These barricades are designed for high visibility and auto traffic.
These assets are backed by the full support of the State’s Search and Rescue Units including Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Office of State Fire Marshal, city reps said. Additionally, the city is working with FEMA to have MRE’s and water ready should there be a need.
City Working with Local, State and Federal Partners on Preparations
Throughout this event, the city is working with local, federal and state partners such as FEMA, GOHSEP, Louisiana National Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers to understand the risks, vulnerabilities and how the city can keep residents safe.
Additionally, Mayor Landrieu participated in a ninth briefing Monday with the National Weather Service and city officials on Tropical Storm Harvey.
Last week, Mayor Landrieu led a table-top exercise with emergency personnel to ensure the city is closely monitoring all weather systems that could produce serious rain and to update our emergency plans. On Aug. 22, Mayor Landrieu joined Governor John Bel Edwards in a meeting with FEMA Administrator Brock Long. The Mayor requested in that meeting that FEMA pre-position as many assets as possible on the ground in New Orleans in the event of a serious weather event. This type of coordination is standard for emergency teams during Hurricane Season, city reps said.
Extended Hours for Catch Basin Cleanings
The Department of Public Works (DPW) increased its manpower to clean and unclog catch basins and flush drain lines six days a week. Four vacuum trucks are in service currently. Since Aug. 6, DPW has cleaned more than 1,170 catch basins and more than 76,000 linear feet of drain lines. On Friday, Aug. 25, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development began assisting in the city’s efforts by cleaning catch basins along State routes.
DPW has received bids for contractors to conduct an additional $7 million in catch basin cleanings, and expects to award the contract in the coming week.
In advance of heavy rainfall, remove leaves, grass and other visible debris in front of catch basin openings and nearby, and place lawn clippings in garbage cans and never blow or sweep them down a catch basin, city reps said. To reduce risk of street flooding, do not park in front of or on a catch basin. Call 311 to report catch basins that are not fully functioning. Avoid lifting a catch basin lid or inserting anything into a catch basin.
Read the Just Rain Down the Drain guide here
Extended Hours for 311
Residents are encouraged to call 311 for general information and to report non-life threatening emergencies. 311 will be open today from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sign up for Special Needs Registry
The city is also encouraging individuals who require special assistance during emergencies to enroll in its Special Needs Registry. The registry does not guarantee assistance, but allows first responders to appropriately plan for, prepare for and respond to community needs.
More than 2,300 people have signed up for the Special Needs Registry, with 170 people registering during Tropical Storm Harvey.
The Special Needs Registry includes all individuals, regardless of age, with a chronic condition, disability, special healthcare need, or who may require additional assistance during an emergency.
These include those who:
• Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker or are insulin dependent;
• Have mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane or other mobility device;
• Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing or deaf;
• Have speech, cognitive, developmental or mental health disabilities; and,
• Use assistive animals or a prosthesis.
A family member, caregiver, or authorized representative can enroll an individual on their behalf. Residents may enroll in the Special Needs Registry by calling 311 or by visiting ready.nola.gov.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to text “HARVEY” to 888-777 to receive updates from the City of New Orleans on Tropical Storm Harvey.
Additionally, residents are advised to look for updates regularly posted here
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Due to the threat of severe weather expected from Tropical Storm Harvey, the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) and Recovery School District (RSD) will close all schools today, Tuesday, August 29.
Further announcements concerning school for Wednesday – Friday will be made in a timely fashion based on up to date forecasts, OPSB reps said.
The decision to close school today applies to students and classes for all public direct-run and charter schools throughout Orleans Parish. Both OPSB Superintendent Dr. Henderson Lewis, Jr. and RSD Superintendent Kunjan Narechania urge families and staff to adhere to all warnings from the city to ensure their safety.
The decision to close all schools was made Monday afternoon in order to provide families and staff ample time to plan and secure childcare as the city deals with the threat of rain and potential storm damage. Essential personnel from both OPSB and RSD will remain on duty to monitor the situation throughout the coming days, OPSB reps said.
Officials from the OPSB and RSD remain in close contact with school leaders and the Mayor’s office on storm related matters, they said.
The OPSB posts weather related announcements on the website here
Officials also recommend families pay attention to the local online, television and radio media for weather related announcements and updates
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Due to inclement weather, The Historic New Orleans Collection will close both of its French Quarter locations today, Tuesday, Aug. 29. This closure will affect all museum spaces, access to the Williams Research Center, store hours for The Shop at The Collection, as well as events scheduled in the museum spaces by third parties. THNOC will reopen its facilities once weather conditions improve, reps said.
