New Orleans under flood watch as tropical system could trigger a month's worth of rain. What should you do?
According to the National Hurricane Center, a tropical threat on the Gulf Coast has a 40% chance for development into a tropical depression in the next 48 hours. The system, currently considered a 'tropical rainstorm" or "tropical disturbance", is likely to bring torrential rainfall to central Gulf coast for days- also to the Louisiana.
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New Orleans weather
New Orleans residents are preparing for the possibility of tropical weather this week. Forecast models are already showing signs of higher rain totals building into parts of Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
That's more rain than New Orleans typically gets in the entire month of July, reports Axios. A flood watch will go into effect at 1 pm this afternoon for regions of Louisiana and Mississippi and is expected to last at least through Friday night. The eastern part of the watch is in effect until at least Saturday evening.
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This tropical disturbance is expected to produce long duration heavy rainfall and, if it develops into a tropical storm, it would be designated by the name Dexter.
Rainfall totals are generally expected to be between 2 and 6 inches, but the National Weather Service is highlighting some localized areas expected to receive as many as 15 inches in the region.
Flooding in New Orleans?
The officials in New Orleans are setting up sandbag locations and encouraging residents to prepare for the possibility of street flooding. In case of a flood event, the residents of New Orleans should move to higher ground, should not walk or drive through flood waters. If water rises around your car, abandon the car immediately.
New Orleans is most likely to get 3 to 4 inches by Sunday, with higher totals on the coast, per NWS. Rainfall rates in some storms could be more than 4 inches per hour, which is faster than the pumps can drain streets.
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If you want to report flooding, you should dial 911 to report street flooding and life-threatening emergencies. Avoid touching electrical equipment as every source of electricity can be dangerous during or after a flood.
New Orleans may suspend parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks to allow residents to move vehicles to higher ground during major street flooding. Unless otherwise communicated, parking restrictions will go back into effect two hours after the flooding has ended.
After the flood, you should not return home until authorities say it is safe. Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded, and watch out for debris. Floodwaters can erode roads and walkways.
Stay away from standing water. It might be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.
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Tropical storm latest update
The system was moving over Florida on Tuesday and expected to reach the Gulf on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.
A tropical depression could form while it moves west in the Gulf, per NHC. It will be named Dexter if it strengthens into a tropical storm. It's expected to approach Louisiana's coast on Thursday, NHC said. It's the Gulf Coast's first storm threat of the 2025 hurricane season. The biggest concern for southeast Louisiana is flooding, according to the National Weather Service's Slidell office.
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Time of India
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- Time of India
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Time of India
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Hindustan Times
3 days ago
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