Overview
- The National Weather Service issued and then extended flash flood warnings Saturday for parts of Jefferson and Orleans parishes as heavy thunderstorms persisted.
- The evening warning listed north central Jefferson and west central Orleans parishes and named areas at risk including New Orleans, Metairie, Jefferson, Westwego, Bridge City, Elmwood, and Lakefront Airport.
- Radar and NWS reports showed cells producing two to three inches of rain in an hour with isolated bursts up to about 2.5 inches, prompting immediate flood concerns for streets and underpasses.
- The City of New Orleans allowed neutral ground parking earlier in the day to reduce vehicle exposure and NOLAReady and the NWS urged people not to walk or drive through floodwaters.
- Forecasters call the weekend a Weather Impact Period with Saturday the wetter day and a reduced but continuing flood risk Sunday because the city’s low elevation and limited drainage can cause rapid runoff and pump strain.