#14,179
Even though the disturbance brewing in the northern Gulf of Mexico hasn't yet reached depression status, rapid development is expected, and the National Hurricane Center is now issuing advisories for Potential Tropical Cyclone Two.
With the Mississippi river set to crest this weekend in New Orleans, and several days of heavy rain are already causing street flooding, the timing of this storm is of genuine concern.From the 10am advisory:
A Storm Surge Watch has been issued from the Mouth of the Pearl River to Morgan City, Louisiana.
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued from the Mouth of the Mississippi River to Morgan City, Louisiana.
SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for...
- Mouth of the Pearl River to Morgan City
A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...
A Storm Surge Watch means there is a possibility of life- threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, in the indicated locations during the next 48 hours. For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov.
- Mouth of the Mississippi River to Morgan City
A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.
The key messages from the National Hurricane Center this morning are:
NOLA Ready, is providing live updates on their webpage. The most recent:
Potential Tropical Cyclone Two is over the northeast Gulf of Mexico and is currently forecasted to move west-southwest and strengthen to a tropical storm by late Thursday. This system has the potential to produce impacts to portions of southeastern Louisiana, however, confidence on storm strength and movement remains low at this time.
Possible impacts include heavy rain, higher than normal tides, gusty winds, and coastal flooding. Rainfall totals are currently predicted in the eight to ten inch range in New Orleans through Monday, which could lead to street flooding. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect until 7:00pm Thursday, July 11.
Due to the potential for storm surge, the National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Mississippi River including the New Orleans area through Saturday, July 13. The river could crest at 19 feet Friday into Saturday. New Orleans is protected to a height of 20 feet. The Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority anticipates closing flood gates along the river. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for areas outside of the levee system in Orleans Parish, including Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine, and Irish Bayou.
Gather emergency supplies
Clean your property and street
- Non-perishable food for 3 days
- 3 gallons of water per person
- Week’s supply of prescription medications
- Manual can opener
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- Matches or lighter
- First Aid Kit
- Radio (battery operated or hand crank)
- Books & games
Stay connected and pay attention
- Move vehicles to higher ground. The City of New Orleans has suspended parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks until further notice. Do not block intersections or streetcar tracks.
- Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Sweep, bag, and throw away leaves and debris from in front of catch basins.
- Call 3-1-1 to report catch basins that are not functioning.
- Do not lift a catch basin lid or insert anything into a catch basin.
Stay safe during heavy rain
- Sign up for NOLA Ready Emergency Alerts. Text your zip code to 888777 or go to ready.nola.gov/alerts.
- Follow @nolaready on social media.
- Never walk or drive through flood waters.
- Stay off the road during heavy rain, if possible.
- If water rises around your car, abandon the car immediately.
- Call 9-1-1 to report major street flooding.
- View reports of street flooding at streetwise.nola.gov.
