What is the operational status of New Orleans pumps ahead of inclement weather?

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Officials with the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board have released the status of the pumps around the city ahead of anticipated inclement weather.

SWBNO officials say they are monitoring the forecasted weather changes, Invest 93-L, and that they are focused on ensuring there is enough power capacity, personnel and operational strategy to manage.

“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,” said SWBNO officials.

They are also communicating with the City of New Orleans, NOLA Ready, Entergy, the Levee District and the National Weather Service to ensure a coordinated response.

Drainage Operation crews said canal drainage will continue on Wednesday, July 16.

Power Operation crews are reporting:

• 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 Wednesday 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.

Additionally, there are 67.5 megawatts of 25-hertz power available to manage storm-related demands. At peak demand, the 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,” said SWBNO officials.

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