Tornadoes, hail and flash flooding possible Wednesday in New Orleans
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New Orleans should prepare for severe weather Wednesday, meteorologists with the National Weather Service say.
Why it matters: Tornadoes and flash flooding could be deadly, along with damaging to property.
The big picture: A line of severe storms will move across southeast Louisiana on Wednesday.
- New Orleans is under a tornado watch until 1pm.
Threat level: The storms will bring all modes of severe threats, especially north of Interstate 10, NWS says.
- Tornadoes.
- Damaging winds of at least 60mph. A wind advisory is in effect from 9am to 6pm.
- Large hail.
- Flooding rain.
Timing: The storm window for New Orleans is 8am through 7pm, NWS says.
- The timeframe is longer than usual, NWS meteorologist Lauren Nash says, because storms could develop before and after the main line.
State of play: Officials are asking drivers to stay off the roads between 8am and 2pm.
- Neutral ground parking is allowed from 8am to 8pm.
Meanwhile, City Hall and other government offices are closed, along with many schools and Audubon Zoo.
- See the school closure list.
Between the lines: The worst of the storm is expected north of New Orleans metro.
By the numbers: New Orleans could get up to 3 inches of rain, while areas north of the city could get up to 5 inches.
- S&WB says 92 of the 99 major drainage pumps are working as of Tuesday afternoon.
- Check your neighborhood pump status.
What to do: Clean storm drains before the rain arrives and secure lightweight items outside that could be blown around.
- Charge your phone in case power goes out.
- Use caution while driving Wednesday, especially on bridges.
How to stay safe: Go to an inside room with no windows on the lowest floor if there is a tornado warning, the CDC recommends. (More tips)
What's next: A cold front arrives Wednesday night and takes the storms with it just in time for French Quarter Fest.
- Temps will drop about 10 degrees, with highs in the 70s on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Go deeper: See the 7-day forecast.
Editor's note: This story was originally published Tuesday and updated Wednesday morning.