Parts of the French Quarter were flooded and a flash flood emergency was declared in New Orleans as heavy rainfall pounded the city Wednesday.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced a closure of City Hall due to the flooding. All non-essential employees were given the day off.

(MORE: Tropical Storm Barry Likely to Form in Gulf of Mexico)

Street flooding forced all streetcars and buses to temporarily stop travel Wednesday morning until the water receded, NOLA.com reported.

A waterspout was spotted over Lake Pontchartrain Wednesday morning, but there were no reports of damage.

The torrential rain is associated with an area of low pressure expected to form into Tropical Storm Barry.