A flash flood emergency has been declared in New Orleans Wednesday as heavy rainfall inundated the city. Parts of the French Quarter are already flooded, and city offices are closed. Flooding of city streets forced all streetcars and buses to temporarily suspend service Wednesday morning.
The heavy rainfall is associated with Tropical Storm Barry, which will continue to be a threat to New Orleans as it moves closer to landfall. The threat is further exasperated by the fact that the Mississippi River is already above flood stage near the city. While the track of Barry is uncertain, the storm could develop into a hurricane before reaching land. Residents of New Orleans and the surrounding area are urged to use caution when traveling and keep updated on the storm’s path.
This story is still developing.
