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Axios
22-07-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Flash flood warnings surge in New Orleans metro
The National Weather Service in New Orleans is having one of its more active years in terms of flash flood warnings since 1987. The big picture: Meteorologists at the office have issued 41 warnings so far this year, according to a tracker at Iowa State University's Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Flash flood warnings are issued when such an event is imminent or already occurring. Several warnings came last week during the tropical system, while others were in April, when a rainstorm dumped more than 6 inches on the West Bank. The totals are for the office's entire coverage region, which includes part of south Mississippi. By the numbers: New Orleans has had 40.89 inches of rain as of Friday morning, which is nearly 5 inches above normal, NWS data shows. Between the lines: Mike Efferson, who has been a meteorologist at the local NWS office since 2008, tells Axios New Orleans he's noticed a change in culture since the 2016 floods in Baton Rouge. Meteorologists are now more proactive and cognizant about the potential impacts of storms, which leads to more warnings, he says. "Society in general is taking flooding more seriously," he says, mentioning how there are more preemptive school closures for severe weather than 30 years ago. Meanwhile, rainstorms in New Orleans are getting more intense, according to data from Climate Central. Hourly rainfall intensity increased 8.7% between 1970 and 2024, writes Axios' Chelsea Brasted. Climate change can amplify rainstorms, as warmer air can hold more water. Zoom out: Nationally, NWS offices have issued a record number of year-to-date flash flood warnings in 2025, according to a tracker at Iowa State University's Iowa Environmental Mesonet.
Axios
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Axios
Rain forecast improves for New Orleans: "You got lucky"
The forecast has improved for New Orleans, with less rain expected from the tropical system in the Gulf, the National Weather Service says. Why it matters: It's good news for a region with flood-prone streets and neighborhoods. The big picture: As of 2pm Thursday, most rain bands from Invest 93L have stayed along Louisiana's coast, with only a few showers reaching the city. "You got lucky," said NWS meteorologist Mike Efferson. Pierre Part, a town about 1.5 hours west of the city, had nearly 11 inches of rain as of 2pm Thursday, he said. New Orleans East and the West Bank had hot spots with more than 4 inches of rain, he said, but most places in the city had less than 2 inches as of Thursday afternoon. Between the lines: No street flooding was reported as of Thursday afternoon in New Orleans or Jefferson Parish, according to parish officials and Streetwise. Gov. Jeff Landry canceled his public update Thursday, citing the improved forecast. Zoom in: New Orleans is now only supposed to get about 1.5 to 2 inches through Saturday. The totals for worst-case scenario have also dropped to 4-6 inches from the previous forecast of 8-10 inches, NWS said Thursday. All of Southeast Louisiana remains under a flood watch until 1am Saturday. Zoom out: Invest 93L was moving inland over Southeast Louisiana as of 1pm Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said. What's next: Government buildings in New Orleans are expected to reopen Friday. Jefferson Parish's buildings remained open all week.
