NEW ORLEANS – Easterly winds and heavy rainfall have increased water in the Company Canal, prompting the Southeast Levee Flood Protection Authority – West to request New Orleans District assistance in closing the canal gate.
The gate takes approximately one hour to close and, once closed, the levee authority can begin pumping water around the gate to maintain an elevation of 2 feet in the canal.
The Corps of Engineers is working closely with SLFPA-W to increase public safety to local homes and businesses.
We are also closely monitoring the Harvey Canal water levels and will close the gates if necessary.
Release no. 09-008