NEW ORLEANS — Heavy rain caused widespread street flooding across New Orleans Thursday morning, making traveling down some streets problematic.
The City of New Orleans set up barricades at 14 locations on the east and west banks due to high water for several hours in the afternoon. Several cars stalled out at underpasses and more than a dozen roads were impassable.
Story continues under video of flooding on Basin St. near Claiborne.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for all of Southeast Louisiana and the Mississippi Gulf Coast until midnight Thursday. Average rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected, but a few areas could receive up to 7 inches.
As of 1:30 p.m., Jesuit High School in New Orleans registered nearly 4 inches of rainfall.
The City of New Orleans suspended all parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks until 10 a.m. Friday. The city urged residents to prepare for more severe weather.
People should call 911 to report street flooding and life-threatening emergencies.
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Drivers were asked to use caution around areas prone to significant street flooding, including streets under bridges and overpasses. Officers will ticket motorists who drive faster than 5 mph. on streets with standing water.
The New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board said 115 of 120 pumps are available Thursday. The agency said it has enough self-generated power to effectively move stormwater to Lake Pontchartrain.
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