NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The Gulf low responsible for the torrential rain along the Gulf Coast is showing signs of organizing and is now labeled Invest 90L by the National Hurricane Center.
Parishes across Louisiana are preparing for several inches of rain and possible flooding as a low-pressure system in the Gulf threatens to develop into a tropical storm.
Most areas have already accumulated 1 to 2 inches of rain, and another 4 to 6 inches are possible over the three-day period. While most rain will fluctuate between heavy downpours and light to moderate showers, a few embedded thunderstorms with the potential for lightning and gusty damaging winds are possible.
An easterly wind is also contributing to coastal flooding in some areas outside of the flood risk reduction system.
The flood threat in Louisiana and Mississippi will persist through Saturday with some areas getting 10″+ of rainfall.
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Jefferson Parish
Grand Isle is experiencing some coastal flooding along typical Highway 1 trouble spots.
“We flood pretty easily, two to three feet of water in the matter of an hour,” Police Chief Chris Hernandez stated. “The mayor and the Corps of Engineers have been working on this levee. We have a clay core levee, and one of the projects right now as we speak is covering this clay core as quick as they can in case a storm does hit the gulf.”
Chief Hernandez shared a video showing trucks navigating the flooded Highway 1. He says officers are patrolling to ensure residents’ safety.
Jefferson Parish Director of Drainage Ben Lepine says crews are working overtime cleaning catch basins and manning pump stations.
“This is something we prepare all year long. We test all our pumps and generators on a weekly basis. We’re always out cleaning catch basins, cleaning and flushing drain lines, repairing canal banks and we’ve manned the pump stations now for 24 hours a day throughout the rain event. So we’re ready and we’re prepared for this weather,” he said. “We have 193 of 194 pumps that are working. One pump is out at the Oak Street Pump Station in Lafitte and we have a portable pump on site to maintain capacity.”
With 80,000 catch basins, Lepine encourages residents to help by keeping them clear and avoiding speeding on waterlogged streets.
Orleans Parish
Colin Arnold, head of Homeland Security for Orleans Parish, stressed the importance of staying informed about the forecast and not becoming complacent. He assured that the city is taking all necessary precautions.
At Orleans Metal Works in Mid-City, owners say they have flooded more times than they can count. They say that while the city has been diligent in clearing catch basins in front of their property, some storm drains in the rear remain clogged.
Arnold says crews are actively clearing catch basins across the city. As with past storms, neutral ground parking will be allowed when flash flood warnings are issued. Despite today’s rainfall, the city’s pumping system has managed well so far.
More: City of New Orleans plans to pick up pace to clean catch basins
St. Charles Parish
St. Charles Parish officials report that all pump stations are fully operational in anticipation of the heavy rains. The recently renovated Destrehan Number Two Pump Station is prepared to handle the expected rainfall between now and Saturday morning.
“Our stations are up and running. Our public works crews are out and checking our critical infrastructure which includes more than pump stations, it’s our culverts and ditches, so we are prepared and ready to go,” said Francesca Holt-Blanchard, St. Charles Parish Public Information Officer.
St. James Parish
Director of Emergency Preparedness Eric Deroche says St. James Parish has adequate resources to manage any severe flooding resulting from the impending heavy rains. He does not expect any major flooding issues.
There aren’t any pumps on the East Bank of the parish, but there is a backwater control structure in South Vacherie.
“That is being monitored 24/7 by our parish crews so that way if water starts pushing in from the lake they will close that structure and then pump out the area that is protected. That has been checked and verified and they are monitoring the levels,” Deroche said.
St. Tammany Parish
St. Tammany Parish has set up self-service sandbag stations at five locations. Although the stations are not currently staffed, sand is available for residents who bring their own shovels. The parish expects to reopen these stations on Thursday to assist with flood prevention.
Tangipahoa Parish
Due to the rising river levels, Tangipahoa Parish closed waterways to recreational traffic effective Thursday afternoon.
Similar closures were implemented in Livingston and Ascension parishes.
Some intensity models show a brief window on Friday for Invest 90L to strengthen into a tropical storm. But development will be tough as it is battling wind shear along the Gulf Coast.
Regardless, the tropical moisture will lead to uncomfortable and wet weather for several days. An approaching cold front will push it south in the Gulf over the weekend.
As to be expected nearing the statistical peak of the Atlantic Hurricane season on September 10, numerous other areas are highlighted, but all are in the low likelihood for development over the next seven days.
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