In a series of thunderstorms that brought heavy rainfall and widespread street flooding to New Orleans, the Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB) was forced to ration power to its pumping stations. The power issues, particularly with backup generators, compelled operators to redistribute available power between the pumps, according to a statement issued by the S&WB on Wednesday.

The S&WB did not provide specific information regarding which pumping stations were affected by the power rationing or the severity of the power situation. However, utility officials reported that canals around pumping stations in Broadmoor, Lakeview, and the 7th Ward were at high levels. This comes as the S&WB has been grappling with power supply problems since February when one of its key turbines, T-4, malfunctioned during a storm, resulting in significant street flooding.

Wednesday's storm marked the third major weather event in the last four months, posing additional challenges for the S&WB. The extent of the flooding caused by this recent storm remains unclear as no detailed statements or news conferences have been held by Mayor LaToya Cantrell's administration. However, Collin Arnold, the city's homeland security director, mentioned that areas such as Gentilly and Mid-City experienced some of the worst street flooding, with vehicle issues reported in underpasses.

While there were no reports of flooded structures, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has been closely coordinating with the S&WB and monitoring the situation. In a statement by Cantrell's spokesperson, Andrew Logan assured the public that there is currently no known damage, and the DPW will continue to update as necessary.

The S&WB plans to provide more information about its equipment in an upcoming after-action report. Spokesperson Grace Birch noted that one primary turbine, T-5, remained operational and running at full capacity. However, the board also relies on backup generators and other equipment prone to errors to supply the outdated 25-hz power needed by many of the city's drainage pumps.

The S&WB requires 44 megawatts of 25-hz power during heavy storms but has been operating with just over 40 megawatts since turbine T-4 went offline. Unfortunately, the repair of T-4 is not expected until next month, adding to the challenges faced by the S&WB in managing drainage during intense rainfall.

The S&WB's drainage system is designed to handle one inch of rain in the first hour of a storm and half an inch each subsequent hour. However, according to S&WB rain gauge data, most areas of the city experienced five to seven inches of rainfall within a seven-hour period during Wednesday's storm.

The S&WB and city officials continue to work together to address the power issues and mitigate street flooding. As the city waits for the return of turbine T-4 and prepares the after-action report, efforts are being made to ensure efficient drainage during future storms, prioritizing the quick removal of excess water from New Orleans' streets and neighborhoods.