WeatherTracking the Tropics

Actions

NOLA Mayor Cantrell: It's coming - remain vigilant

Mayor Cantrell July 13 Press Conference
Posted at 11:31 AM, Jul 13, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-13 12:42:34-04

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell warned her city today that the rain is coming.

At an 11 a.m. press conference, the mayor urged everyone in New Orleans to remain vigilant.

"Hurricane Barry has slowed, but it also has intensified, pushing its effects into later today, tonight and Sunday," Cantrell said.

The mayor said the city dodged a bullet in terms of storm surge dangers on the Mississippi River, but the rain is coming.

"We are not in any way out of the woods," Cantrell said. "The expected rain could lead to flooding throughout the city of New Orleans today and tomorrow."

Forecasts are still predicting 10 to 20 inches for New Orleans, with higher amounts in isolated spots - much like flooding that happened earlie this week.

"High water vehicles and boats remain prestaged around the city should water rescues be needed," Cantrell said. "We are expecting a heavy rain event starting today, throughout the night and tomorrow."

Cantrell said residents listened, and stayed off the streets after 8 p.m. last night.

"We're asking you to do that again: stay off the streets, be prepared to shelter in place," Cantrell said. "Although you may not have seen rainfall, it is coming our way, so please continue to listen and react accordingly."

Cantrell said police and firefighters will be barricading flooded roads, underpasses and exits, including the Franklin Avenue Exit. Tampering with those barricades is a crime and won't be tolerated, she said.

Here's a link to the full press conference, posted by our friends at WGNO: