Tropical Storm Nate: Need-To-Know Facts On Rescue Vehicles, Drainage, Road Closures, More

NEW ORLEANS, LA — City officials have nearly 40 boats and more than 20 high-water vehicles staged at police and fire stations and ready to respond to flooding from Tropical Storm Nate, expected to be a hurricane when it makes landfall along the southern Gulf Coast Saturday evening or early Sunday morning. Additionally, four high-water vehicles and two boats are stationed at the city's Emergency Medical Services headquarters.

The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane warning for metropolitan New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain late Friday afternoon. The storm is expected to pass over the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula late Friday.

As preparations begin, the New Orleans Police Departmentpre-staged 146 brand new barricades in flood-prone areas to prevent drivers from going into areas with high water. These barricades are designed for high visibility and auto traffic. (Sign up for newsletters and real-time news alerts from New Orleans Patch, or find your local Louisiana Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Barricades and equipment are positioned and ready to be put in place at:

• Downman Road and Haynes Boulevard
• Gentilly Boulevard and Peoples Avenue
• Franklin Avenue and Interstate 610, east and west
• Gentilly Boulevard and Paris Avenue (Popeyes)
• Paris Avenue and Gentilly Boulevard (Parisite Skate Park)
• St. Bernard Avenue I-610 Exit
• N. Broad Street and A.P. Turead Avenue
• Marconi Drive and Roosevelt Mall Street
• Canal Boulevard and Navarre Avenue
• Tulane Avenue and S. Carrollton Avenue
• Metairie Road and Pontchartrain Boulevard
• Gen. De Gaulle Drive and Highway 90
• Gen. De Gaulle Drive and Woodland Drive
• Press Drive and L. C. Simon Drive
• Interstate 10 Carrollton off-ramp

Get Prepared

City officials urge all New Orleans residents and businesses to stay prepared and informed as hurricane season continues. Specifically, officials should said residents develop an emergency-response plan in advance and make sure that every member of the family is aware of what to do, who to call and where to go. Planning tips are available here.

Out of an abundance of caution, the city’s emergency and operational departments are conducting preparation measures. Any changes in storm track and intensity could change the impacts for the area, so residents are advised to stay tuned to NOLA Ready and the National Weather Service for updates.

Update on Drainage System

The Sewerage and Water Board is working closely with New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the mayor's office to monitor Tropical Storm Nate. S&WB and its contractors continue to work around the clock to repair all power and pumps to stabilize and strengthen the city's drainage system.

You Should Also Read

• Storm To Become 'Hurricane Nate' As It Hits U.S.
• Tropical Storm Nate In New Orleans: Where To Get Sandbags
• Mandatory, Voluntary Evacuations In New Orleans Area

Since August, S&WB has repaired six drainage pumps and two turbines. On Friday, 108 of 120 drainage pumps were fully operational. Turbines 1, 3 and 6 are available for service with additional power being provided by 26 backup generators which were mobilized under emergency declaration. Additionally, S&WB is in the process of installing five Electro-Motive Diesel Generators at the Carrollton Water Plant and are scheduled to be available for service in the coming weeks.

Updates on pump availability can be found here .

Extended Hours for Catch Basin Cleanings

The Department of Public Works increased its manpower to clean and unclog catch basins and flush drain lines from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., six days a week. Fourteen vacuum trucks are in service currently, including DPW and its contractors. Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 6,456 catch basins have been cleaned in New Orleans, including 3,516 since August.

In advance of heavy rainfall, remove leaves, grass and other visible debris in front of catch basin openings and nearby, and place lawn clippings in garbage cans and never blow or sweep them down a catch basin. To reduce risk of street flooding, do not park in front of or on a catch basin and do not dispose of anything in a catch basin. Call 311 to report catch basins that are not fully functioning. Avoid lifting a catch basin lid or inserting anything into a catch basin.

Follow these three simple steps to improve drainage:

• Remove leaves, grass and other visible debris in front of the catch basin opening and nearby area, especially before a rain storm.
• Place lawn clippings in garbage cans, and never blow, or sweep them down the catch basin.
• Encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Read the Just Rain Down the Drain guide.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is monitoring Tropical Storm Nate. If you are traveling in the coming days, please check your airline’s website for any possible delays or cancellations prior to coming to the Airport.

Recreation Centers and Facilities

All New Orleans Recreation Development (NORD) Commission recreation centers and facilities will be closed starting Saturday, Oct. 7 until further notice.

Garbage Collection

Regular garbage and recycling service will continue as scheduled until further notice. Residents are reminded to secure all garbage and recycling carts, on their property, after collections.

Normal Hours for 311

Residents are encouraged to call 311 for general information and to report non-life threatening emergencies. 311 will be open today until 5 p.m., tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 24 hours starting 7 a.m. Saturday.

Special Needs Registry

The City is also encouraging individuals who require special assistance during emergencies to enroll in its Special Needs Registry. The registry does not guarantee assistance, but allows first responders to appropriately plan for, prepare for and respond to community needs.

The Special Needs Registry includes all individuals, regardless of age, with a chronic condition, disability, special healthcare need, or who may require additional assistance during an emergency. These include those who:

• Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin dependent;
• Have mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, or other mobility device;
• Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or deaf;
• Have speech, cognitive, developmental or mental health disabilities; and,
• Use assistive animals or a prosthesis.

A family member, caregiver, or authorized representative can enroll an individual on their behalf. Residents may enroll in the Special Needs Registry by calling 311.
Stay Informed

Residents are encouraged to text “NATE” to 888-777 to receive updates from the City of New Orleans on Tropical Storm Nate.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert: File)