New Orleans, LA - The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) closely monitors significant weather events when forecasted. As inclement weather is anticipated, SWBNO’s focus is to ensure that we have the power capacity, personnel, and operational strategies to manage the anticipated weather conditions.

As part of our pre-storm preparations, our Operations team will begin lowering canal levels to increase stormwater storage. We also enhanced staffing levels to ensure all teams are coordinated and equipped to respond quickly to any unforeseen issues.

We are communicating with our partners at the City of New Orleans, NOLA Ready, Entergy, the Levee District, and the National Weather Service to ensure a coordinated response. Our teams closely monitor the evolving weather conditions, and we encourage residents to remain weather aware. For real-time updates, follow our partners at @NWSNew Orleans and @NOLAReady on Twitter or text NOLAREADY to 77295.

Drainage Operations crews are preparing for inclement weather, such as lowering drainage canal levels. These efforts will continue on Wednesday. 

Power Operations

• Turbine 4 is available and we anticipate bringing online today in advance of the inclement weather. 
• Turbine 5 is online.
• Turbine 6 is undergoing repairs today with anticipated completion by end of day.
• Additional essential employees are scheduled to work through this potential weather event until the weather conditions no longer affect our area.
• EMDs #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 are in service.

We currently have 67.5 megawatts of 25-hertz power available to manage storm-related demands. At peak demand our system requires 44 megawatts of 25-hertz power. The drainage system remains robust, with 86 out of 93 drainage pumps operational and ready. Our drainage system is designed to pump one inch of rain during the first hour of rainfall, and an additional half inch of rain per hour thereafter. Any intense rainfall exceeding our capacity may cause street flooding.

For the full pumping and power statuses, please visit our Pumping and Power Dashboard: https://www.swbno.org/Projects/PumpingAndPower.

Emergency Hotline Available

Our Emergency Hotline remains staffed and available 24/7. Customers can report leaks and other water-related emergencies by calling 52-WATER. For storm drain assistance, please contact 311.

Stay Prepared and Weather Aware

Residents are advised to make sure their catch basins are cleared ahead of the rain. Leaves and trash can clog our drainage system, preventing rainwater from flowing through & increasing the chances of street flooding. Please report clogged/damaged catch basins and street flooding to 311 at Nola311.org.

We have been in active coordination with the Dept. of Public Works and New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Continue to follow @NOLAReady for updates and alerts.

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