Parish officials have released information on what they are doing to prepare for potential severe weather ahead of Tropical Storm Gordon.
Updated preparations and advisories from parish officials will be constantly updated as they are received:
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell this morning updated residents on preparations for Tropical Storm Gordon as it continues its approach toward the Gulf Coast.
“We are all in this together. Please check on neighbors, family and friends. I’m asking all residents to do their part in getting ready for this storm. The City’s absolute, number one priority is to ensure the safety of our residents. We’ve worked all weekend to ensure that we’re prepared. Together, we’re ready for Gordon,” Mayor Cantrell said.
State of Emergency Declared
Both Mayor Cantrell and Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for the City of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana, respectively, with only essential emergency personnel reporting for work. New Orleans residents are encouraged to get updates at ready.nola.gov.
Tropical Storm Gordon to Impact Gulf Coast Late Tuesday
The center of Gordon will move across the eastern Gulf Coast today and is expected to reach the central Gulf Coast by late this afternoon or evening, moving inland over the Mississippi River Valley tonight or early Wednesday. The maximum anticipated sustained winds are near 65 miles per hour (mph) with higher gusts. Additional strengthening is expected today, and Gordon will likely be a hurricane when it makes landfall along the central Gulf Coast. Rapid weakening is expected once Gordon moves inland.
Local impacts expected continue to be heavy rain, high winds and storm surge in areas outside the levee system. Heavy rain is likely with widespread rainfall totals of 4 to 8 inches over the next 3 days, with the heaviest rainfall coming this afternoon through Wednesday. There is the potential for significantly higher local amounts if rain bands move over an area for extended periods. A Flash Flood Watch remains in effect.
Tropical storm-force winds could reach the area as early as this afternoon, with the potential for winds of 40 to 70 mph. Scattered power and communication outages as well as downed trees and roadway signs are possible. A Tropical Storm Warning remains in effect for the area.
A Storm Surge Watch remains in effect for coastal areas, with the possibility of 2 to 4 feet of surge. The City of New Orleans has issued a voluntary evacuation order for areas outside of the levee system, including Venetian Isles, Irish Bayou and Lake Catherine. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Lakes Pontchartrain and Maurepas, with 1 to 2 feet of inundation possible.
City Prepared for Heavy Rain, Winds
The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is actively working with our local, state and federal partners to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from this system.
The Sewerage & Water Board (SWB) staff continues to hold regular meetings to prepare for the incoming weather. The drainage system has 116 out of 120 pumps available, with a 1,000 cubic-feet-per-second pump back online for emergency use at Drainage Pumping Station 13 in Algiers. The agency can produce more than 77 megawatts (MW) of 25 Hz power – more than what is needed to run the entire drainage system. Turbines 3, 4, 5 and 6 are available to provide power, and turbine 1 is available for emergency use. Crews are standing by, ready to operate every large pump station and to monitor automated stations and pumps at underpasses.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) has and will continue to clean and unclog catch basins, as well as flush drain lines in flood-prone areas. To reduce risk of street flooding, do not park in front of or on a catch basin, and do not dispose of anything in a catch basin. Call 3-1-1 to report catch basins that are not fully functioning. Residents should avoid lifting a catch basin lid or inserting anything into a catch basin.
Also, parking restrictions on the neutral ground and metered parking enforcement will be suspended starting at 2 p.m. today.
The New Orleans Police Department and New Orleans Fire Department have pre-staged barricades in flood-prone areas to prevent drivers from entering high water. Residents are reminded to never drive through flooded areas and to call 9-1-1 to report major flooding on the road. Motorists who drive faster than 5 mph on streets with standing water are subject to fines. A map of reported street flooding is available at streetwise.nola.gov. Additionally, NOPD will deploy high-water vehicles and boats to districts as needed.
The New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) will be prepared to open a Medical Special Needs Shelter post-storm for people who cannot stay in their home due to power outages for their medical equipment. People who believe they need to go to the shelter should call 3-1-1. Residents who have medical or mobility issues should call 3-1-1 to register, update their information or if they have medical needs during the storm. The Special Needs Registry call center is open and will be available 24/7 through the storm.
The Real-Time Crime Center, which is staffed 24/7, utilizes the network of cameras citywide to provide situational awareness during severe weather to City leaders, emergency managers and first responders.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for rain and review hurricane plans. Gordon is moving quickly, and we could see impacts of wind and rain as early as this afternoon. Residents are encouraged to rush preparedness activities to completion this morning. Prepare your property for heavy rain and wind: clear gutters, downspouts and in front of catch basins; secure outdoor furniture, decorations and trash cans. You can move your vehicles to neutral grounds at 2pm. Please do not block intersections or streetcar tracks. Make sure you have bottled water, non-perishable food, medications and a flashlight.
When severe weather arrives, shelter in place at your home. Stay off the roads during heavy rain and high winds. Never drive through flooded areas, and call 911 to report major flooding or other life-threatening emergencies. Our 311 call center remains open for information and non-emergency services.
Find updated information about the storm at ready.nola.gov and on social media @nolaready. Sign up for emergency alerts by texting your zip code to 888777 or online at ready.nola.gov.
Additional City Departments Are Prepared
Parks & Parkways
Essential personnel are on alert and prepared to respond to emergencies as weather conditions allow. Forestry dump trucks have been emptied and readied for debris collection on both the East and West banks.
Sanitation
Trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled today (Tuesday).
Sanitation will provide an update today for Wednesday, based on the updated weather forecast. However, service will NOT be provided Wednesday for areas outside the levee system, which include Lake Katherine, Highway 11 and Venetian Isles area, because the water has started rising already. The next scheduled collection day for this area is Saturday.
Generally, please secure your trash can and recycling carts BEFORE high winds and potential flooding so that they aren't carried away.
Construction & Road Work
All City contractors on active construction sites have been instructed to secure their job sites to prevent damage and minimize debris.
Department of Public Works (DPW)
Today through Thursday (Sept. 4-6): Five trucks are scheduled to be deployed (locations decided per DPW Maintenance Division and as needed per flooding reports).
New Orleans Schools
The Orleans Parish School Board has been in communication with school leaders across city. School has been cancelled for today (Tuesday). The Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) has advised public and school leaders that there will be an announcement today about Wednesday ASAP. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is also planning an announcement.
Other Agencies Are Prepared
Flood Protection Authority Prepares for Gate Closures
The Flood Protection Authority (FPA) – East continues to prepare for Tropical Storm Gordon. Seven floodgates are planned for closure (along Industrial Canal) plus the Caernarvon Sector Gate (St. Bernard). There is no planned closure of Highway 90, Highway 11 or lakefront floodgates. There will be continued coordination and communication with the Sewerage & Water Board on three Lakefront Permanent Pump Stations. Currently, there is no plan to operate these stations.
Gate closure alerts will continue to be sent out via the FPA alert system, which citizens can sign up for by following the AlertSense signup link at https://www.floodauthority.org.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport Remains Open
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is conducting normal operations at this time. Delays and cancellation of flights will be decided by individual airlines. When sustained wind speeds are 40 mph or greater is typically when airlines cancel flight operations. Airport parking may be restricted to ticketed passengers only.
RTA Prepares Service Adjustments
RTA operations teams are preparing for possible service interruptions due to Tropical Storm Gordon. If sustained winds exceed 35 mph, or other conditions cause roads to become impassable, RTA transit services will be discontinued. RTA will send out public notices detailing service interruptions as weather conditions change. Ferries are currently operating on their normal weekday schedule. Teams are preparing for the storm and will monitor weather reports through the day today and tomorrow. Service alerts are available at http://www.norta.com/Maps-Schedules/Service-Alerts.aspx.
Entergy Prepares for Service Issues
Entergy is prepared to respond to any potential impacts Tropic Storm Gordon may bring to the area. Line and vegetation contractors are on standby, ready to respond immediately following the storm. Scouting teams are prepared to assess damages after the storm. Proactive communications with SWB leadership remain in place.
Entergy keeps customers informed about power outages and restored power in several ways:
A free app is available for iPhone or Android at entergyapp.com. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their homes or businesses.
Entergy’s outage map shows where outages are located and gives information about restoration progress.
Customers can send and receive text messages about storm and restoration efforts. Signing up is easy; simply text REG to 368374.
The Entergy Storm Center has storm safety, preparation, restoration and other information that is regularly updated.
President Amos Cormier has called for an Voluntary Evacuation for the east bank and the lower end of Plaquemines Parish. He will be holding a press conference at 12 noon Tuesday. Please contact me if there are any questions.
Watch St. Tammany update from Monday Morning News
St. Tammany Parish has implemented its "Storm in the Gulf" protocols in response to Tropical Storm Gordon. Based on the projected path, St. Tammany Parish could see impacts from this storm. The St. Tammany Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is receiving continual updates from the National Weather Service and is monitoring the track of this system.
We will continue to update the public about our emergency operations through the local media, our website at www.stpgov.org/departments/hsep, through social media on Facebook and Twitter. Sign up to receive automatic email updates from the Parish on our website, www.stpgov.org.
We are asking all residents to stay tuned to forecast updates from the National Weather Service. In addition, prepare for the possibility of a localized rain event, assure that all family members are accounted for and have a safe place to shelter from any potential foul weather. If you live in a low-lying area prone to flooding from heavy rain, or higher than normal tides, please pay attention to the forecasts. We ask that you clear storm drains, follow your family plan for a storm event, and pay close attention to weather forecasts and Parish officials as the storm moves into the Gulf of Mexico. For more storm preparation tips visit www.ready.gov.
St. Tammany Parish is poised to fully activate our Emergency Preparedness plans if necessary.
CLOSURES
The Sellers Canal sector gate at Pier 90 near Avondale in Luling and the Des Allemands Boat Launch have been closed until further notice while the Department of Public Works prepares the areas for severe weather.
SANDBAGGING
Sandbagging locations have been opened at the following:
- East Bank Bridge Park
- West Bank Bridge Parks
- LA 306 at Badeaux Lane East in Bayou Gauche.
Residents are asked to bring their own shovel.
Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day. Parish social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.
CLOSURES
The Sellers Canal sector gate at Pier 90 near Avondale in Luling will close at 11 a.m. Sept. 2 and the Des Allemands Boat Launch has been closed until further notice while the Department of Public Works prepares the areas for severe weather.
SANDBAGGING
Sandbagging locations have been opened at the East and West Bank Bridge Parks and on Down the Bayou Road in Bayou Gauche. Residents are asked to bring their own shovel.
Any questions may be directed to the St. Charles Parish Emergency Operations Center at (985) 783-5050 24 hours a day. Parish social media sites will be updated continuously at www.facebook.com/stcharlesgov and www.twitter.com/stcharlesgov. Please call 1-800-ENTERGY for information on power outages.
Please stay tuned to local media, SCP-TV (Cox Cable Channel 6, AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 or www.scp-tv.com in St. Charles Parish), stcharlesparish-la.gov, 1-888-SCP-9EOC or 1370 AM in St. Charles Parish for further announcements.
To sign up for emergency text messages and e-mails, visit www.scpemergencyalerts.com. To sign up for e-newsletters, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/enews.
For more information on hurricane preparedness and to download a copy of St. Charles Parish's 'BE PREPARED' guide, visit www.stcharlesparish-la.gov/hurricane.
The mission of St. Charles Parish government is to provide high quality, efficient services to sustain and enhance the quality of life for all residents of St. Charles Parish.
Preparations:
All preparations at homes and businesses should be rushed to completion.
Residents should work to clear storm drains and catch basins of debris and bring in items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
Self-serve Sandbag Locations - Opening at 1 pm on Monday, September 03, 2018
Please bring a shovel and prepare to fill your own bags. Please only take what is needed.
Intersection of Bamboo Road & Indigo Pkwy (near Lake Pontchartrain Elementary)
Railroad Avenue Fire Station (near Riverside Academy)
Ezekiel Jackson Park
Westbank Complex
Wallace & Pleasure Bend Fire Stations.
Pre-filled sandbags for elderly and disabled:
Monday, September 03, 2018 (1 pm to 7 pm)
425 Captain G. Bourgeois, LaPlace.
Power Outages:
Prepare for outages and downed power lines.
Dial 1-800-9Outage to report power outages and also download the Entergy App at entergyapp.com to receive up-to-date outage information.
School/Office Closures/Cancellations:
No school or office closures at this time.
FLORISSANT HIGHWAY
Parish Road Workers will place highway markers along Florissant Highway and will build a Rollover Rock Dam on Florissant Highway early Tuesday morning.
SOUTHEAST LA FLOOD PROTECTION AUTHORITY- EAST (SLFPA)
Bayou Bienvenue and Bayou Dupree locks are currently closed. SLFPA-East Officials will close the Caernarvon Locks sometime Tuesday morning. Parish Officials are in constant communication with SLFPA and will release updates on the status of the locks. There are no intentions to close highway gates at LA46 or LA39.
ST. BERNARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The Sheriff’s Office will place barricades in flood prone neighborhoods and on flood prone streets.
SANDBAG DISTRIBUTION
Sandbags will be distributed today, September 3rd from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Sand barn in the old Kaiser facility located in the rear of the St. Bernard Port in Chalmette. Sandbags are limited to 15 per vehicle. Drivers wishing to pick up sandbags can enter the road of the port, near the Mississippi levee. Deputies will be there to assist.
BOAT/CAMPER STORAGE
Campers and boats can be staged on the north side of LA46 (westbound side). The Sheriff’s Office will monitor the staging area.
SCHOOL/GOVERNMENT CLOSURES
A decision on school and government closures will be made later today.
SIGN UP FOR EVERBRIDGE ALERTS
St. Bernard Parish is using Everbridge Resident Alerts to communicate with citizens and businesses during emergencies and other critical events. Residents are encouraged to register immediately to receive these alerts: https://member.everbridge.net/index/892807736729672#/signup.
The Lafourche Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is continuing to monitor the weather.
Residents should prepare their homes and business by securing any objects that may be carried away by wind.
Today is a good time to clear any debris from storm drains near your home or business to help with drainage in your area. If you have a drainage ditch near your home or business and observe debris that may impede drainage flow, please contact the Lafourche Parish Public Works Department at (985)537-7603.
Parish President Robby Miller is encouraging all residents, especially those in low-lying areas, to prepare for the storm by cleaning out the storm drains near their homes and securing any loose objects that could be picked up by strong winds.
Sandbag distribution
Sandbags will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 3 at:
Pleasant Ridge Public Works
44512 Pleasant Ridge Rd
Hammond, La 70401
Schools
School officials are keeping a close eye on the storm and have a conference call planned around mid-afternoon on Monday to decide if they need to take any action.
Terrebonne Parish has declared a parish-wide state of emergency as Tropical Storm Gordon approaches.
Sandbag locations
Terrebone Parish Public Works Division will begin providing self-serve sand and bags to the public, September 3 at 8 a.m. The following locations are planned to be opened no later than 5 p.m. Please bring your own shovel:
Cannata's West
6307 West Park Ave.
Houma, LA
Airbase Softball Complex
9544 East Main St.
Houma, LA
West Terrebonne Fire
110 Merry Moss
Gibson, LA
St. Ann Church
4355 Highway 24
Bourg, LA
Ward 7
5006 Highway 56
Chauvin, LA
Bayou Black Fire Station
2820 Savanne Rd
Houma, LA
Mechanicville Gym
2814 Senator St
Houma, LA
Upper Dularge Fire Station
1767 Bayou Dularge
Houma, LA
Pointe-Aux-Chene Knights of Columbus Hall
1558 Highway 655
Pointe-Aux-Chene, LA
TPCG Barn (next to Shannon Hardware; prefilled bags for elderly and handicap persons)
1860 Grand Caillou
Houma, LA
Gibson East Fire
5218 N. Bayou Black Rd.
Gibson, LA
Bobtown Vol. Fire Station
4717 Grand Caillou Rd.
Houma, LA
Village East Fire
100 Development St
Houma, LA
Montegut Fire Department
1105 La. Highway 55
Montegut, LA