New Orleans was battered by flooding rains on Wednesday that was connected to a weather system that could grow into the year’s first hurricane.

More than 8 inches of rain fell on the city, which was also placed under a tornado warning when a water spout formed over Lake Pontchartrain.

The severe weather also forced the closure of City Hall.

Wednesday’s wild weather was a precursor of things to come, as the storm system is expected to strengthen — possibly growing into a hurricane that could make landfall Saturday west of the city.

The storm is expected to at least reach tropical storm strength — meaning it will have sustained winds of at least 39 mph, weather officials said.

Once it reaches that threshold, the storm would be named Barry.

If the storm forms into a hurricane that passes west of New Orleans, the accompanying storm surge could cause the Mississippi River to rise to dangerous levels, flooding portions of the city protected the levee system.

“No one should take this storm lightly,” warned Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, who declared a statewide emergency on Wednesday.

New Orleans is no stranger to a hurricane’s destruction.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused catastrophic damage to the area, killing hundreds of people when the city’s levee’s failed.

With Post wires