As Hurricane Ida Causes Power Outages, Residents Asked To Limit Water Usage

As Hurricane Ida continues its downpour over Louisiana, many residents around New Orleans are without power. This includes New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board (S&WB), which is experiencing power outages at sewage pump stations on both the east and west bank of New Orleans.

Because of the power outages, S&WB is advising residents who do still have power to limit their water usage to decrease the risk of sewage backups, per FOX 8 Live. The stations without power will remain out of service until the storm passes and it is safe for crews to make assessments.

"This increases the potential for sewer backups in homes," said S&WB. "We urge those residents who still have power to minimize wastewater leaving their homes by not running your dishwasher or washing clothes."

Hurricane Ida made landfall as a Category 4 storm near Port Fourchon Sunday afternoon (August 29) on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. With maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, it is considered one of the most powerful storms to ever hit the U.S.

For suggestions on how to get through a hurricane, check here. Contacts for emergency management services in each parish around New Orleans can also be found here. Similarly to S&WB, all emergency services have been suspended until the Ida passes, so residents are advised to shelter in place.