Rainy afternoon on tap, New Orleans allows neutral ground parking

A line of showers and storms has been moving across Texas and Louisiana. It is forecast to bring rain and thunderstorms to Southeast Louisiana this afternoon.

"Heavy rain could cause street flooding in low-lying areas," the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness said in an alert. "Neutral ground parking allowed until 6PM on April 29, 2024. Please don't block intersections, streetcar tracks, sidewalks, or bike paths."

The forecast has an 80% rain chance.

"The bulk of the rain will likely roll through from roughly 11am to 4pm," according to WWL TV Meteorologist Payton Malone. "The severe risk is not especially high since the system is expected to weaken as it arrives, but a few storms could bring high wind gusts and brief heavy rain. Rain totals look like up to 1-2 inches. Rain ends by the evening."

He says there is not much rain the rest of the night or the rest of the week.

"Tuesday and Wednesday look nicer with lower chances for rain and warm temperatures in the 80s. A few spotty showers will be possible Thursday through Sunday although no day looks like a washout."

New Orleans officials remind drivers:

Avoid flood waters
-NEVER drive through flood waters. It's dangerous for you, your vehicle, and can push water into nearby homes and businesses.
-If water rises around your car, abandon the car immediately.

Report flooding
-Call 911 to report street flooding and life-threatening emergencies.
-View reports of street flooding at streetwise.nola.gov

Detailed Forecast...

TODAY:

80% chance scattered showers and storms. Warm, humid. Breezy. Low: S 72, N 69. High: 82.

TUESDAY:

Partly cloudy. 10% chance scattered showers and storms. Warm, humid. Low: S 70, N 67. High: 85.

WEDNESDAY:

Partly cloudy. 10% chance isolated shower. Warm, humid. Low: S 70, N 67. High: 85.

THURSDAY:

Partly to mostly cloudy. Mainly dry. Warm, humid, breezy. Low: S 69, N 66. High: 86.

FRIDAY:

Partly to mostly cloudy. 40% chance isolated shower. Warm, humid, breezy. Low: S 70, N 67. High: 83.

SATURDAY:

Partly to mostly cloudy. 20% chance isolated shower. Warm, humid. Low: S 70, N 67. High: 85.

SUNDAY:

Partly to mostly cloudy. 20% chance isolated shower. Warm, humid. Low: S 70, N 67. High: 85.