NEW ORLEANS — As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, Mayor LaToya Cantrell today reaffirmed the City of New Orleans’ readiness and commitment to protecting residents through coordinated emergency plans and major infrastructure investments. The City’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is leading these efforts in close coordination with local, regional, state, and federal partners to ensure comprehensive storm preparation and response capabilities are in place.
“As we stand united with our public safety partners and prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, one thing is clear—it takes all of us,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “From City Hall to every household in New Orleans, preparedness is a shared responsibility. Together, we are stronger, more resilient, and ready to face whatever comes our way.”
Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting an above-average hurricane season in 2025, with 13 to 19 named storms expected (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes—Category 3 or higher—with winds of 111 mph or more. NOAA has a 70% confidence level in this forecast.
NOAA remains committed to language accessibility, and residents are encouraged to visit weather.gov/translate for weather information in Spanish and Vietnamese. It’s essential to stay informed through trusted sources such as official government agencies and local media outlets for accurate updates.
To watch the full 2025 hurricane preparedness press conference, please visit the City’s YouTube Channel.
Here is an overview of preparation efforts across several City and partner agencies:
NEW ORLEANS HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS (NOHSEP)
NOHSEP stands ready to coordinate the City’s hurricane response should a storm impact the city or the region.
The best way residents can prepare is to stay connected, make a plan and gather supplies:
- Stay connected. To sign up for emergency alerts from the City, residents are encouraged to text “NOLAREADY” to 77295. NOLA Ready’s outreach efforts to the Spanish-speaking community continue. To receive emergency alerts in Spanish, text “ESP” to 77295. Organizations can also request hurricane preparedness trainings at ready.nola.gov/training.
- Make a plan. Know where, how and with whom you plan to evacuate with in the event of an impending storm. Consider City-assisted evacuation if you can’t evacuate on your own.
- Gather supplies. Make a “go-bag” that includes your ID, cash, at least two weeks of medication, medical supplies (and records of your prescriptions), clothes, bedding, supplies for your pet(s) and copies of critical documents (on residence, birth certificates, emergency contacts). Make a “home-kit” with non-perishable food, bottled water and at least two weeks supply of medication and medical supplies. Don’t forget a radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a can opener and supplies for pet(s) and any other dependents such as children.
In light of the increasing occurrence of rapid-intensification hurricanes, NOHSEP has focused considerable resources on improving contingency alternatives to the City-Assisted Evacuation Plan, particularly for vulnerable populations. These include people with medical and mobility needs who are often at higher risk.
NOHSEP has worked with Entergy New Orleans to identify buildings to be prioritized for power restoration in the event of an outage. This includes critical infrastructure sites, public safety facilities and independent living facilities with residents that are reliant on electricity for life-sustaining devices.
The City of New Orleans is operating out of a larger inter-agency warehouse to better facilitate daily operations and critical logistics operations during hurricane response.
If you experience a language access issue during a disaster, you can report it to ready.nola.gov/languageaccess.
NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT (NOPD)
The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has updated its Hurricane Plan. District Captains are scheduled to meet with their Louisiana National Guard counterparts in June to coordinate response efforts. Currently, 18 boats are operational and 7 are undergoing repairs and testing. NOPD also has 6 operational stake-body trucks for high-water response and has continuously tested all generators to ensure readiness. Operation Underpass remains in place and ready for activation and residents are reminded not to drive through underpasses during or after heavy rain, as they can flood quickly and pose serious dangers. For public safety logistics, NOPD is prepared to staff and secure Task Force Sites as needed and has coordinated with NOHSEP to support traffic and security.
NEW ORLEANS FIRE DEPARTMENT (NOFD)
The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) is preparing for the upcoming storm season by staging assets and maintaining a fleet of 23 flat boats and 4 inflatable boats for potential rescue operations. NOFD continues to partner with NOHSEP to support staffing needs in logistics, operations and planning. All station generators are currently undergoing pre-season servicing by Property Management and are operational at this time.
The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) reminds residents to practice generator safety during storm season. Always place generators at least 20 feet away from your home and your neighbors’ homes to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector inside your home to help protect your household from this invisible, odorless danger.
NEW ORLEANS EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (NOEMS)
New Orleans EMS remains focused on maintaining citywide 9-1-1 response capabilities and managing ambulance transportation for those requiring medical attention. NOEMS will monitor inpatient and residential facilities in coordination with the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) and is prepared to support additional emergency operations, including sheltering. The department reports strong readiness across vehicles, supplies and facilities. When a storm threat arises, NOEMS will move to full staffing, activate necessary support contracts, and deploy resources to pre-designated locations throughout the city. Operations may be impacted during sustained wind gusts of 50 mph or more.
NEW ORLEANS HEALTH DEPARTMENT (NOHD)
As of May 23, a total of 64 independent living facilities have submitted applications currently under review by the New Orleans Health Department (NOHD) and New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP).
Of the six nursing homes that have completed the application process, two are in full compliance with the local ordinance and will receive licenses by June 1, 2025.
Seven independent living facilities and seven nursing homes have not yet submitted applications, and NOHD will begin adjudication on June 1.
NOHD continues to promote resident use of the Smart911 App, a more inclusive tool with a full range of access and functional needs. Integrated with NOLA Ready alerts and the Orleans Parish Communication District (OPCD) dispatch system, Smart911 will help the City communicate more efficiently with the most at-risk individuals following a disaster or emergency. Sign up for Smart911 at ready.nola.gov/alerts if you are an individual with medical or mobility needs.
ORLEANS PARISH COMMUNICATION DISTRICT (OPCD)
OPCD continues to work with its partners to ensure the 9-1-1 and 3-1-1 systems remain fully functional through any extreme weather threats to New Orleans. OPCD reminds residents of the expected increase in call volume, and while staffed to the maximum extent possible, if your call is queued, simply remain on the line and it will be answered. Callers are encouraged not to hang up and call back, as it will place you at the end of the queue.
If you’re unable to verbally communicate important details—such as your emergency or location—during a 9-1-1 call, the 9-1-1 communication specialist may send you a text message with a link requesting access to your phone’s camera and location. Clicking this link provides critical information that helps emergency responders reach you more quickly and effectively. Once the call ends, the link expires, and the 9-1-1 communication specialist no longer has access to your camera or location.
DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION
The Department of Sanitation’s pre-positioned emergency debris removal and monitoring contracts are in place ahead of the 2025 hurricane season. Solid waste continuity of operations plans remains in effect to support the resumption of contractor services within 72 hours of a major weather event. Ongoing clearing of illegal dumping from public rights-of-way will continue to reduce flooding and minimize projectile risks.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (DPW)
The Department of Public Works is continuing its preparations for the 2025 hurricane season by performing routine maintenance on all equipment to ensure crews have the resources needed to respond. The department is also coordinating with contractors on plans to secure construction sites in the event of severe weather.
Following a hurricane or tropical storm, key post-storm operations include assisting the Department of Sanitation with debris removal along primary public safety routes and supporting public safety agencies with vehicle towing, as needed. Coordination with the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans will ensure efficient debris clearance and catch basin cleaning.
Emergency contracts may be activated for repairs and monitoring of traffic signals, streetlights and signage, as well as the removal of flooded vehicles from the public right-of-way. Additionally, 311 data and storm-related service calls will help assess the scope of work and prioritize response efforts.
FLOOD PROTECTION AUTHORITY EAST
The Flood Protection Authority-East is prepared and confident in the system’s ability to block storm surge. All floodgates have been inspected and exercised, and levee inspections have been completed as part of regular quarterly and annual reviews. Emergency contracts are in place, and personnel are ready to respond as needed.
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS (USACE)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is committed to supporting timely response operations by providing technical assistance, distributing flood-fighting materials, and deploying Local Government Liaisons to parishes. The Corps will also coordinate with state and local levee districts, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, to ensure the readiness of the flood protection system and the safe evacuation of regulated navigation areas.
REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RTA)
As part of the city’s hurricane season preparations, officials have detailed evacuation support plans based on activation levels.
In a green activation scenario—indicating full city-assisted evacuation—modified bus and paratransit routes will transport residents to the Smoothie King Center, with riders able to board at any active stop heading downtown. Paratransit or mobility-limited residents are encouraged to call 311 for assistance. Transit services will begin winding down 42 hours before landfall and will shut down completely 18 hours prior.
In the event of an amber or red activation—indicating targeted evacuation or shelter-in-place—shuttles will be deployed from library hubs to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center or other designated locations to assist elderly and medically vulnerable residents. While fixed-route services will continue during this time, they will operate with fewer vehicles and will cease entirely 18 hours before landfall.
Pet evacuation planning also remains a priority. Small pets (20 pounds or less) in carriers may ride on regular buses, while residents with larger pets can call 311 to access one of two dedicated pet transport buses. A partnership with the Louisiana SPCA remains in place to provide overflow support as needed.
Internally, the RTA has completed a full hurricane tabletop exercise, trained all new hires in relevant protocols, provided advanced refresher training to staff, and is conducting ongoing systemwide readiness checks to ensure operational resilience across all departments.
LOUISIANA SPCA (LASPCA)
Officers will continue to respond to emergencies during a storm event, provided roads are safe to navigate. Emergency responses include assisting the New Orleans Police Department, New Orleans Fire Department or Emergency Medical Services when an animal must be secured for them to perform their duties, responding to animal attacks on humans, and aiding critically injured or suffering animals found on the street.
During a storm event, the shelter will not intake animals, and the public veterinary clinic will remain closed. Following the storm, emergency calls will be prioritized, while other requests will be triaged. Response efforts will focus on caring for abandoned animals left behind by evacuated owners—providing care on-site when possible—and rescuing loose or displaced animals impacted by the storm, who will then be transported to the shelter.
SEWERAGE AND WATER BOARD OF NEW ORLEANS (SWBNO)
The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO) continues to test equipment and train staff in preparation for the 2025 hurricane season. This includes regular testing of generators and standard operating procedures at drainage pumping stations, water treatment facilities and wastewater treatment plants to ensure all systems and personnel are ready. These trainings occur year-round to prepare for hurricanes and other intense weather events.
At the wastewater treatment plants, backup generators on both the East and West banks have been tested and are fully operational. Additionally, a smaller rental generator is in place at the East Bank facility to power stormwater pumps in case of emergency.
SWBNO reminds residents that while hurricanes should be closely monitored, heavy summer rainstorms can also pose serious flood risks. When rain intensity exceeds one inch per hour, localized street flooding may occur. The city’s drainage system is designed to handle one inch of rainfall during the first hour and a half-inch per hour thereafter. For example, three inches of rain in a single hour may take up to five hours to fully drain.
Currently, 88 of 93 major drainage pumps are operational, and all underpass pumping stations are in service. Five of five Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) generators are also functional. Turbines 4, 5 and 6 are operational and available. The Unit 3 frequency changer at the West Bank power plant (2.5 megawatts) is out of service.
A total of 67.5 megawatts of power is available for the city’s 25-hertz power
system, which requires 44 megawatts to run at peak demand. 67.5 megawatts (MW) of power is available for our 25 hertz (Hz) power system. This system needs 44 MW of power to run at peak demand.
To see SWBNO’s pumping and power status, please visit: Pumping and Power Equipment Status – Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (swbno.org)
A map of SWBNO’s drainage system is at the bottom of this web page: Stormwater – Drainage System Overview & Map – Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (swbno.org)
ENTERGY NEW ORLEANS
Ahead of storms, Entergy New Orleans focuses on preparedness through annual storm meetings, updates to the critical customer list in coordination with city officials to prioritize restoration at essential sites, additional inspections of infrastructure critical to the Sewerage & Water Board, participation in internal storm drills, and enhanced vegetation management.
Following a storm, Entergy prioritizes damage assessments and a safe, phased power restoration process. The company maintains communication with customers through multiple channels, including its outage map, the MyEntergy platform, social media accounts, and NOLA Ready text alerts.
Entergy New Orleans also encourages customers to take proactive steps. For preparation and safety tips, visit www.entergy.com/stormcenter .