The city of New Orleans updated residents today (Friday, June 5) in anticipation of Tropical Storm Cristobal, which is expected to impact Louisiana this coming weekend.
Gov. John Bel Edwards also recently issued an Emergency Declaration for the state, preparing for potential bad weather.
A link to today’s press conference can be found here.
“The city of New Orleans continues to monitor Tropical Storm Cristobal. The likelihood of a direct impact is likely and it’s increasing. We are expecting heavy rain throughout the weekend, (with) local totals in an upward of 10 inches or more,” said Mayor Cantrell. “We are staying in constant communication with local, state and federal officials. Now is the time to start paying attention and get ourselves ready.”
Collin Arnold, director of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said representatives from the city’s public safety agencies will be in the Emergency Operations Center 24/7 to monitor and respond to impacts.
“Currently the greatest threat here in New Orleans is expected to be heavy rainfall, minor to moderate coastal flooding, and tropical storm force winds are a high possibility.”
The storm, which had stalled over Mexico and even weekend to a tropical depression moved back out into the Gulf of Mexico, re-strengthening to tropical storm force winds, and is expected to reach the U. S. Gulf Coast between Texas and Florida as early as Saturday night, according to National Hurricane Center forecasts.
“The New Orleans Police Department stands prepared and ready for Tropical Storm Cristobal. We are currently at full staff. We are asking if you see standing water anywhere, we ask that you do not try and drive through it,” said NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson.
City officials also assert that Sewerage and Water Board is ready to handle impact from the storm.
“Our team has spent the last few days going through our Hurricane check list and I can say that we are fully prepared,” said S&WBNO Director Ghassan Korban. “Our drainage pump stations will be fully staffed throughout the event. All 99 of our drainage pumps are operational and will be available to respond to what we anticipate will be heavy rains.”
In preparation for the potential storm, residents are encouraged to gather supplies to shelter in place. Residents should also prepare their properties by cleaning out catch basins, gutters, and downspouts, and securing loose objects, including trash and recycling bins.
To receive current alerts residents can to text “CRISTOBAL” to 888-777 and follow @nolaready on social media.
Those who need power for medical needs should call 311 to enroll in the Special Needs Registry. Weather alerts and updated information can be found at ready.nola.gov.
