Post-Tropical Storm Olga slammed into New Orleans on Saturday, causing widespread damage and leaving more than 60,000 without power, including the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Winds of nearly 60 mph gusted through the city, downing trees and power lines, as well as causing other damage.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a high wind warning in the early morning hours on Saturday for Metro New Orleans. According to NWS New Orleans, a 49 mph wind gust was recorded at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome just before 5 a.m.
Winds are HOWLING 🐕 early this morning! Very strong winds associated with the inland effects of Post-Tropical Cyclone #Olga
The Wind Advisory has been upgraded to a HIGH WIND WARNING now for the North/Southshore, N and E across southern and coastal Mississippi. #lawx #mswx pic.twitter.com/2tmJS8mLnP
— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) October 26, 2019
As of this writing (1:00 p.m. Central), power has been restored to much of the area, including the airport. There are currently 10,565 without power in Orleans Parish and 17,574 without power in Jefferson parish. Entergy states that it could still take several more hours for power to be fully restored.
According to a press release issued by the City of New Orleans, perimeter fencing at the Hard Rock Hotel collapse site was damaged and is being repaired. The New Orleans Police Department is securing the area, but residents and visitors are reminded to stay out of the evacuation zone, which is bounded by the lake sides of N. Rampart Street and Burgundy Street, and both sides of Canal Street and Iberville Street.
Jenn Bentley is a freelance journalist and editor currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of Big Easy Magazine. Her work has also been featured in publications such as Wander N.O. More, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, Examiner.com, and others. Follow her on Twitter: @JennBentley_
