New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center gives her reason to feel better about the potential impacts of Hurricane Sally.
"The track of this storm shifted east. Well, this seems to be better news for us. However, we are continuing to monitor its track," the mayor said at a Monday news conference.
Cantrell is calling on residents to be ready in the event that Hurricane Sally doesn't do what forecasters expect.
"It is moving slowly, so again having to be very fluid as it relates to this, particularly as it relates to the rain impact."
She says while the expected landfall further east is good, that can still change.
"It can again easily move back. Forecasts are not certain where the landfall will be."
The mayor says they are working to prepare for possible flooding.
"So we are just trying to do the best that we can to prepare our city for a lot of rainfall."
The city released the following Monday:
The City of New Orleans continues to prepare for Tropical Storm Sally, which is expected to strengthen to a strong Category 1 hurricane and bring impacts to the New Orleans area Monday evening through Wednesday. A Hurricane Warning, Flash Flood Watch, and Storm Surge Warning (for areas outside of the levee system) are in effect. Text SALLY to 888777 to receive updates from the City.
Storm surge between seven to eleven feet is possible in areas outside the levee system, with four to six feet anticipated in Lake Pontchartrain. For this reason, the City has issued a mandatory evacuation order for areas outside of levee protection, including Venetian Isles, Lake Catherine, and Irish Bayou.
Due to a shift in the forecast cone to the east, rainfall is now forecast to total between four to six inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Parking on neutral grounds and sidewalks is allowed until further notice. Please do not block intersections, streetcar tracks, or bike paths.
A Hurricane Warning is in effect for New Orleans, with an 70 to 90 percent chance of tropical storm force winds (sustained winds over 39 mph) in the metro area. Tropical storm winds are possible for a period of time between Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Prepare for high winds by securing trash bins, outdoor furniture, and loose branches. Regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection will continue today; however, residents are asked to immediately secure bins after collection ahead of the storm.
Due to the prolonged forecast of high winds, power outages may occur. Prepare for power outages by charging electronic devices, turning your refrigerator to its lowest setting, and having a flashlight ready. Gather emergency supplies, including food, water, and medications, for at least three days. If you plan to operate a generator in the event of a power outage, please ensure it is in a well-ventilated location outside and away from all doors, windows, and vent openings. Multiple deaths occurred in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura due to improper generator use. For more information, visit the New Orleans Fire Department website. Those who might need extra help during a storm due to medical or mobility needs should sign up for the City’s Special Needs Registry. To register, call 3-1-1 or go to specialneeds.nola.gov. People on dialysis should contact their provider to receive treatment before the storm.
