NEW ORLEANS — The city of New Orleans is asking people to stay off of the streets after 11 a.m. Wednesday to "shelter in place" as the city is expecting tropical force winds from Hurricane Francine, on its current path.
“This is the time to hunker down," said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, during a noon press conference.
Landfall is expected in the St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes with winds of up to 100 mph and gusts a little higher.
In the city of New Orleans, the gusts can hit between 50-60 miles per hour, which would likely lead to downed trees, debris and power outages. City leaders said the surge could affect roads in New Orleans East outside of levee system.
"You really need to be where you're going to be situated by lunchtime," said WWL Louisiana Meteorologist Payton Malone.
“We are stronger together, and we demonstrate it every single time," said Mayor Cantrell. “Hold the line, stay focused, and stay prepared.”
City leaders said Tuesday morning the storm is not expected to strengthen. Mayor Cantrell said the worst impacts for New Orleans will be from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
State Police said 70 troopers are ready, and 40 National Guard members are on hand. The National Guard said 13 high water vehicles are ready.
Both the New Orleans Police Chief and Fire Chief said it's important for everyone to stay off the roads, and help first responders stay safe by not having to do rescues.
The sheriff's department said the jail is 95% staffed with 1,357 inmates. Additional deputies will continue to assist New Orleans Police in zones where they are needed.
Police said all officers are working 12-hour shifts, and all officers are in uniform – every division, bureau. He said numerous high-water vehicles and boats deployed. Officers will be monitoring for high water and provide barricades., and they will patrol with overhead lights for visibility and presence.
The Fire Chief warned of potential power outages. He urged people to use flashlights, not candles, saying candles are dangerous with the high winds and can cause fires.
He also urged those who have to go out to stay away from downed power lines. They will be wet and dangerous.
New Orleans council members urge everyone to help their neighbors.
“When your people need you, it doesn’t matter if your back hurts, if your heart hurts, cause when your community hurts, it’s time to get over whatever our pain is and deliver," said Councilman Oliver Thomas. “Mother Nature is gonna do what she has to do, but when we can get together, and when we can be prepared, the storm’s gonna do what it does, but at least we’re all on the same page.”
Councilman Thomas also thanked local, state, and federal officials, saying communication for this latest storm has been "stellar."
RTA will shut down street cars at 2 p.m. and will have limited service. City officials said several rec centers are prepared. They said they started with three centers and brought in generators for five more. They are not currently open, but will be after the storm for necessities such as water, charging, etc.
NORD officials said all current shelters are full, but spaces are available throughout NORD sites. They are still trying to help those who need to get to shelter. They are driving around until winds pickup, and will be out until they are told to stop transports. They said they can not force anyone indoors, but will only ask.
The health department said 50 reserve oxygen tanks are available. Officials there said hospitals have activated emergency plans, and dialysis centers got people in early and have plans in place. They said nursing Homes are reporting no issues at this time, and they've been in contact with all of the independent living facilities, who also have not reported any issues.
Sanitation collection is expected to resume Thursday.
Francine is expected to be out of the area by around midnight.
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