NEW ORLEANS — The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans said heavy rains have outpaced pumping capacity in parts of New Orleans East as thunderstorms dumped heavy rain on the city on Friday morning.
S&WBNO spokesperson Grace Birch told WWL-TV that all pumps in New Orleans East, where street flooding is occurring, are working but the rain has outpaced the system's capacity to pump the water away.
Photos: Heavy rain flooding the streets of New Orleans
The National Weather Service in New Orleans has issued a flash flood warning for parts of Orleans Parish until 12:15 p.m. on Friday. The NWS says up to 4.5 inches of rain has fallen in some areas and an additional two inches are still possible.
Forecasters say heavy rain in the Lakeview and Lakefront areas has stalled cars.
On Friday morning, the S&WB said that turbines four, five, and six are operational, and 95 of the 99 drainage pumps are available for service. Two of those pumps that were not working are at Drainage Pumping Station Six in Lakeview.
Life-threatening flash flooding is possible in creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include New Orleans, Arabi and Lakefront Airport, and Interstate 10.
Turn around, don`t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely.
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