Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office is urging New Orleans residents to prepare for heavy rain and the potential for flooding through Friday, June 7.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service (NWS) in New Orleans issued a flash flood watch for the greater New Orleans area, citing tropical moisture moving into the area. According to the NWS, the storms could produce as much as two to three inches of rain per hour, resulting in the potential for flooding beginning this afternoon and lasting through Thursday evening. The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is in close communication with the NWS and will remain so throughout this event.

According to a press release sent by Cantrell’s office, the Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB) has 116 out of 120 pumps available, with all five turbines, frequency chargers, the Electro-Motive Diesel generators, and other redundant power sources available. The S&WB has also stated that pump stations will remain fully staffed and the operations team will be ready to act as needed.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5, parking restrictions on neutral grounds and sidewalks are suspended and will remain suspended until 10 a.m. on Friday, June 7. Residents are encouraged to move their vehicles as needed so long as you do not block streetcar tracks or intersections. Avoid parking on or in front of a catch basin in order to help reduce the risk of street flooding.

Other ways you can help prepare:

• Remove debris from downspouts and gutters
• Clean in front of catch basins
• Call 3-1-1 to report nonfunctioning catch basins

The Department of Public Works is continuing to clean and unclog catch basins. They are also flushing drain lines in flood-prone areas.

As always during any heavy rain event, use caution around underpasses, overpasses, and other areas prone to street flooding. Any motorist driving faster than five miles per hour on streets with standing water will receive a ticket from the New Orleans Police Department.

Residents should call 9-1-1 to report street flooding due to the severe danger that high water poses. These reports will be shown in real time at streetwise.nola.gov.

As always, you can stay up to date with any potentially dangerous weather situation by signing up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts or by following @nolaready on Twitter.