With temperatures heading downward and a hard freeze overnight for north and parts of the south shore, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has declared a freeze emergency.
The Weather Service says we could experience freezing rain, sleet and even snow if it gets cold enough.
Overnight temperatures will crash from high 30’s into the mid-20’s by Monday night.
The declaration of emergency puts New Orleans on a pro-active footing to prepare to take in homeless residents who are exposed to the elements as temperatures crash.
In doing this city shelters and homeless organizations can provide extra beds and take in more temporary residents looking to get out of the cold.
Among those, according to the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate, the Ozanam Inn, a shelter on Camp Street, will add 20 new beds to deal with an influx of homeless. Ozanam is operating at 60% capacity due to the COVID pandemic and need for social distancing.
Since running water is important to keep pipes from freezing up and potentially bursting, the Sewerage and Water Board is bringing on Turbine 1 in place of Turbine 6 to power the Carrollton Water Plant and keep drinking water moving to area homes.
The city is asking resident to run water from the faucet furthest from a water meter at just a thin stream to protect pipes.