News Summary
As Louisiana braces for a storm system expected to make landfall soon, meteorologists predict heavy rainfall of 6 to 10 inches, raising concerns of flooding. Coastal parishes, including St. Tammany and Jefferson, are activating emergency plans, opening sandbag locations, and clearing drainage systems in preparation. Residents are urged to stock up on supplies for at least 72 hours and stay informed about storm developments. The immediate focus is on community preparedness and effective management of local drainage systems to cope with the anticipated weather conditions.
Louisiana is bracing for severe weather as a storm system from the Gulf is expected to make landfall in or near the region by Thursday, July 17. Meteorologists anticipate this storm will bring heavy rainfall, with predictions indicating totals between 6 to 10 inches. In response to the impending storm, several coastal parishes have activated their emergency plans to prepare for possible flooding.
In St. Tammany Parish, officials have opened five sandbag locations as of Tuesday, July 15, urging residents to take advantage of these sites promptly to safeguard their properties against potential flooding. Local public works crews are proactively working to maintain drainage systems by clearing ditches and reducing pond levels in anticipation of the storm.
As the storm system traverses the Gulf on Wednesday, residents are advised of the heightened flooding risk, particularly given that recent summer rains have already saturated the ground in various areas of southeast Louisiana. Jefferson Parish is responding by cleaning out catch basins in front of homes and businesses, and they are encouraging residents to do the same to enhance drainage capacity.
Drainage Systems and Preparedness
The Jefferson Parish drainage system operates with 194 pumps designed to manage up to 1 inch of rainfall in the first hour and half an inch in subsequent hours. The New Orleans drainage system is also on high alert; it can handle only 1 inch of rain during the initial hour before becoming overwhelmed. Currently, 86 of the 93 major pumps in New Orleans are operational, although there are concerns as two power turbines are currently down.
Community Recommendations
Local officials continue to emphasize the importance of preparedness. Residents are encouraged to stock up on supplies for at least 72 hours in case of evacuation orders due to the storm. This preparation includes not just essential supplies like food and water, but also personal items that may be necessary during an emergency.
Tracking the Storm
Meteorologists are actively monitoring the storm’s movement in the Gulf to provide updates on its path and assess where the heaviest rains will strike. As the system intensifies, the potential for severe weather increases, prompting parishes to remain vigilant and responsive to the changing conditions.
Background Context
Louisiana’s coastal areas are no strangers to storm systems and heavy rainfall, particularly during the summer months when tropical activity peaks. However, the effects of climate change and frequent rainfall in the weeks leading up to this storm have raised concerns about the effectiveness of local drainage systems. Communities that have faced similar weather events in the past are now gearing up for the challenges that come with extreme weather, reinforcing the need for community engagement and readiness.
This situation continues to evolve, and residents in the affected parishes are urged to stay informed through local updates as the storm approaches. Emergency services are on standby, ready to assist should the situation call for immediate community response.
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Additional Resources
- WDSU: New Orleans Flood Tips
- NOLA: Hurricane Plan 2025
- Entergy: Louisiana Utilities Prepare
- WWLTV: Top Hurricane Prep Tips
- NBC News: Storm Francine Live Updates
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Season
- Google Search: Louisiana Weather Emergency Preparedness
- Google Scholar: Louisiana Flooding Drainage Systems
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Google News: Louisiana Flooding July 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
