KEY TAKEAWAYS: New Orleans activated its Emergency Operations Center to Level II as Tropical Storm Bertha approaches southeast Louisiana. The National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Watch, forecasting 2 to 4 inches of rain, isolated totals up to 6 inches and wind gusts up to 57 mph. T he Sewerage Water Board reported 87 of 93 drainage pumps are available and said the system can handle about 1 inch of rain in the first hour. City officials urged residents to complete storm preparations, monitor NOLA Ready alerts and avoid driving through flooded streets.   The City of New Orleans has activated its Emergency Operations Center to Level II, or 24/7 monitoring, as Tropical Storm Bertha approaches southeast Louisiana, with forecasters warning of possible tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and localized flooding beginning late Tuesday. According to the city, the National Weather Service has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the New Orleans metropolitan area. Bertha is expected to move near or along the southeast Louisiana coast between late Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing sustained winds or frequent gusts of 39 to 57 mph and rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts reaching up to 6 inches through Thursday. City officials said heavy rainfall could lead to localized street flooding, particularly in low-lying and poorly drained areas, and urged residents to complete storm preparations before weather conditions deteriorate. The Sewerage Water Board of New Orleans said it has lowered canal levels, increased staffing and coordinated with partner agencies ahead of the storm. The utility reported that 87 of its 93 drainage pumps are available and that its power generation systems are operating with 93 megawatts of 25-hertz power available. The agency said recent operational changes made after Tropical Storm Arthur are intended to improve the reliability of its static frequency changers during voltage fluctuations. Officials said the system has enough capacity to pump approximately 1 inch of rainfall during the first hour of a storm and one-half inch per hour afterward. Rainfall exceeding that rate could result in street flooding. Several pieces of equipment remain out of service, including frequency changers at Station D and Algiers, the Carrollton Plant frequency changer because of an electrical issue, Turbine 5 and the permanently retired Turbine 4. At the Old Carrollton underpass, three pumps are unavailable, though a temporary pump has been deployed and is operational. Residents are encouraged to clear debris from nearby catch basins to improve drainage and report clogged or damaged basins through 311. The Sewerage Water Board’s emergency hotline remains available around the clock for water and sewer emergencies. Entergy New Orleans said it is monitoring the storm and urged customers to finalize emergency plans, prepare disaster supply kits and ensure backup power arrangements for medical devices and other essential equipment. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority warned that heavy rain and flooding could lead to service delays or interruptions. Riders are encouraged to monitor the agency’s website, Le Pass app and social media channels for updates. To support vulnerable residents, the city’s Office of Health and Human Services will open the Rosenwald Recreation Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday as a shelter for unhoused individuals. Transportation assistance is available through 311 or 504-539-3266. City officials also urged residents to secure outdoor furniture and other loose items, fully charge electronic devices, avoid driving through flooded streets, respect road closures and sign up for NOLA Ready emergency alerts. The city said it will continue monitoring Tropical Storm Bertha and provide additional updates as forecasts evolve. ...read more read less