Hurricane Katrina..The Crisis continues...Disastrous damage and flooding

[2angelsinheaven]

The Weather Channel is saying it's now taking a more direct northerly path due to a front coming down into the Gulf and may even take a NE turn, towards AL. Please if you are in any of the states that could be affected please keep watching. We learned here in FL with last year that the path is not certain till right before it hits. Be on your toes ready to go.

[2angelsinheaven]

The news is so scary, anyone else who've seen any of those weather movies think it's like a movie right now on the news. It's almost so unreal that this is so big and so dangerous. God help us, please everyone stay safe.

[CrazedDisFan]

My prayers and hopes are with the people of the Gulf Coast. I have 2 cousins in Metairie. They aren't leaving, one is a nurse and must stay. She has her 18 year old daughter with her at her nursing facility. We so wish they could leave. :(

:grouphug: to everyone

[Shutterbug]

This is was Hurricane Camille


http://www.geocities.com/hurricanene/camille.jpg



This is Katrina:


http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov/goeseast/hurricane/color/0508280740.jpg

[Cebhfhionn]

My prayers are with those poor people. I cannot even imagine getting hit with a category 5!

[kar313]

We are all sending prayers from MD. I didn't know it was a cat 5 until I went to mass earlier and Father announced that it was and asked for a special prayer. I hope everyone who can leave will do so. And those that can't will certainly be in all our prayers.

[bengalbelle]

bengalbelle,

Am I looking at that wrong or has that changed and looks like the path is heading east of New Orleans.
Yes it has shifted east some.

[Shutterbug]

From the NHC 8am discussion

000
WTNT42 KNHC 281204
TCDAT2
HURRICANE KATRINA SPECIAL DISCUSSION NUMBER 22
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
8 AM EDT SUN AUG 28 2005

THE PURPOSE OF THIS SPECIAL ADVISORY IS TO REVISE THE INTENSITY OF
KATRINA TO CATEGORY FIVE. AN AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT
REPORTED A PEAK 700 MB FLIGHT-LEVEL WIND OF 153 KNOTS...WHICH
CORRESPONDS TO MAXIMUM SURFACE WINDS OF ABOUT 140 KNOTS.
OBVIOUSLY...THE BIG QUESTION IS HOW STRONG KATRINA WILL BE AT
LANDFALL. WE HAVE VERY LIMITED SKILL IN PREDICTING THIS.
FLUCTUATIONS IN INTENSITY...DUE TO EYEWALL REPLACEMENTS...ARE
LIKELY DURING THE NEXT 24 HOURS. NEVERTHELESS...KATRINA IS
EXPECTED TO BE A DEVASTING CATEGORY FOUR OR FIVE HURRICANE AT
LANDFALL.

[Shutterbug]

The outside feeder bands are now approaching NO

http://www.weather.gov/radar/images/DS.p19r0/SI.klix/latest.gif

[Shutterbug]

Fox News said that the state not just the coast will be enduring
hurricane force winds for 12 HOURS!!!!

[goofygirl]

My grandmom who lives in the Ft Lauderdale/Miami zone got it when it was a Cat 1. I thank every deity for how lucky she was!

Best of luck to all in the zone! Scary!

[bengalbelle]

Nevermind...I guess they don't link.

Overall the traffic headed west out of Baton Rouge is heavy. There was a wreck earlier.

Not a whole lot of cars coming from New Orleans. Hopefully people there and other points east are trying to make last minute preparations before heading out.

Biloxi area we're praying for ya'll.

[MagicKingdom05]

I don't know how old this information might be, but from what I was just told by a college student in the area the mayor just announced a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans and the mayor mentioned that the storm will more and likely take out the levie system and for everyone needs to get out of there now.

[Luv2Roam]

Weather Channel is showing winds 175 MPH. I cannot even imagine.
I did hear the mayor say they were expecting it to go over their levie system.
the waiting is always VERY hard too. By the time the hurricanes hit us, part of it was just a relief it was finally there as the prep was as done as it was going to be.
It's like a tooth extraction. After awhile you just want it over with!
There does not appear to be anything to slow this storm down. :earseek: :guilty:

[Desiree]

I don't know about y'all but I am so nervous. Watching the New Orleans mayor is making me freak out!! :sad2: :scared1: :sad1:

[Luv2Roam]

It is always best to plan and prepare for the worse. And if that does not happen, there is great relief.

[bgirldeb]

Weather Channel is showing winds 175 MPH. I cannot even imagine.

:earseek: :earseek: :earseek: :earseek: :earseek:

[MagicKingdom05]

Luv2Roam,

They know that the levie system won't hold up to this and are basically letting everyone know this now so people will leave. From comments made by other officials other than the mayor, It also sounds like they have given into the fact that the lose of life will be huge along with the devistation that this storm leaves behind.

Oh now this storm has 175 MPH winds, well can this get any worse.

[wvjules]

Watchign Fox News...entire city underwater-18-20ft of water in downtown, mississipi river levies almost certain to fail. 20+ storm surges. "it would take an act of god for the storm to take such a turn that no would avoid such a significant hit right now".

[MagicKingdom05]

Yep and you know the scary thing, they are saying that the eye will go through one more rebuilding period in the next 24 hours or so and will be even stronger and larger than it is now.

[bengalbelle]

http://www.skeetobiteweather.com/archive/forecast/AL122005lts.gif

[Lisa loves Pooh]

OT: Lisa, this got buried on previous page, so you probably missed it. Is your family the one who rehabbed the double shotgun house on "This Old House"? I still remember that series quite well. I'm also thinking of another home, but can't remember exactly if it was NOLA. Does your family still live there? I hope they are safe.

We are long gone from that house--it has been sold several times since that remodel. But yes, it was my mom and her husband that did it.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I feel bad for all the tourists that probably can't get out. We were there in April, staying near the French Quarter......there is no way we could have gotten out as we flew down. I told my DS we would definetly be heading over to the Super Dome about now!!


Sadly for those who are healthy--superdome is a shelter of last resort for those with medical needs only.

[Blondie]

I've been glued to the Weather Channel all morning. I can't believe how massive Katrina is now!

Prayers going out to all in it's path!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Someone just mentioned that CNN just scolled at the bottom of it's screen a quote from some local offical that said, "that if people don't get out now, there won't be enough body bags for everyone who could die."

This keeps getting worse and worse and all I can say is :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad1: :sad1: :sad1: :worried: :worried: :worried: :( :( :( :sad: :sad: :sad:


On the bright side--for Port charlotte (Cat 4--no time to evacuate)---they had body bags shipped in and it wasn't needed. It is always customary to assume the worst so the residents who need a clue will get one.

DopeyRN was saying that structures at least 4 stories--were okay--so hopefully for those who have absolutely no way to evacuate--they are told how best to try and save themselves.

[Serena]

I was just listening to the news. My prayers are with everyone in the way.

[Luv2Roam]

Even the mayor was stating the SuperDome will not be a comfortable place to stay. They are anticipating being without power for days.

[Shutterbug]

This from the 11am NHC discussion:

KATRINA IS COMPARABLE IN
INTENSITY TO HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969...ONLY LARGER.

OMG!!!!

[CrazedDisFan]

It is my understanding from the mayor's press conference that the Superdome will be opened later in the day for all residents as a last resort. However, first they need to get special needs persons there first.

This whole situation is truly disheartening. I can't imagine being stuck and not being able to leave. However, my cousin is in just that position. My aunt is trying to get her to leave, but she feels and has an obligation as a nurse to stay.

[The Mystery Machine]

Couldn't believe my eyes this morning. To all of you in the path...Prayers for your safety.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This whole situation is truly disheartening. I can't imagine being stuck and not being able to leave. However, my cousin is in just that position. My aunt is trying to get her to leave, but she feels and has an obligation as a nurse to stay.

I know it is hard--but I am sure her patients will be appreciative.

It is tough when a loved one has to answer to duty even if it puts there life at risk.

[photonut]

for those in its path....evacuate....don't try to save your homes....save yourselves!

Prayers to all of you!

[Shutterbug]

more from NHC:

REPORTS FROM AN AIR FORCE HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT INDICATE THAT
THE MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS HAVE INCREASED TO NEAR 175 MPH...WITH
HIGHER GUSTS.

HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 105 MILES FROM THE
CENTER...AND TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP
TO 205 MILES.

COASTAL STORM SURGE FLOODING OF 18 TO 22 FEET ABOVE NORMAL TIDE
LEVELS...LOCALLY AS HIGH AS 28 FEET ALONG WITH LARGE AND DANGEROUS
BATTERING WAVES...CAN BE EXPECTED NEAR AND TO THE EAST OF WHERE THE
CENTER MAKES LANDFALL.

[MagicKingdom05]

Shutterbug,

Yep and as I mentioned before, it's only expected to get bigger and bigger in the next 24 hours as the eye does one more regeneration before it hits.

[C.Ann]

This is absolutely horrifying! The documentary I watched last year about NO showed a computerized reinactment of what would happen with a hurricane of a LESSER degree and bascially, all of NO would be gone - buried under 18 to 24 ft. of water!! Loss of life would be MASSIVE..

If anyone is able to leave and doesn't - well - I don't even know what to say..:(

Watching and praying for all in the path of this MONSTER!!!!

[Shutterbug]

Everyone in the warning area shown along the coast needs to leave just not NOLA!


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT12/refresh/AL1205W_sm2+gif/144603W_sm.gif

[tevagirl]

Prayers to all those in Katrina's path. Please listen and leave.

[Luv2Roam]

Has anyone seen reports on the airport in NO? Is it still operational? When do they expect to shut it down?
I would imagine many are flying out as fast as they can.

[MagicKingdom05]

Luv2Roam,

I think onces the outer bands start hitting and the winds pick up in the next few hours the airport will close.

[Shutterbug]

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/FLOAT/VIS/20.jpg

[eclectics]

All the people and pets in harms way are in my prayers today

[C.Ann]

This may be a silly question, but after reading about that poor elderly woman who didn't have any way of getting out of NO - couldn't they have done something like use all of the city buses to get people out who didn't have any transportation?

I keep thinking about that woman and it brings tears to my eyes.. :(

[Rozzie]

Everyone in the warning area shown along the coast needs to leave just not NOLA!


http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT12/refresh/AL1205W_sm2+gif/144603W_sm.gif


thousands of can't. I have to report to work in 12 hours. I am sorry, but I can't lose my job. 2 nurses were fired in Dennis for not showing, and 6 were fired during Ivan. The hospital will even report you to state to take your license away. My prayers are with those who can't leave--there are over a 1000 nurses standing their ground in NOLA, and the police officers, and firemen, etc.

[MagicKingdom05]

Can anyone confirm a report I just heard on the radio that the hurricanw winds have picked up to over 200 MPH. I am looking online now to see if I can find anything.

[SplshMtn99]

I haven't heard sustained winds that high, but gusts were 195 last I heard.


We are long gone from that house--it has been sold several times since that remodel. But yes, it was my mom and her husband that did it.

That's so cool!! I now "know" someone that was on This Old House. I can still remember EXACTLY what your mom looks like. I liked that house alot. Were/are you one of the kids they had at the time in that home? Sorry to hi-jack thread!

I hope the home & whomever lives there now stays safe!!!!!!!

[MagicKingdom05]

Rozzie,

Trust me noone is going to blame you for staying especially as a nurse. Once this passes in the next 48 hours they will need all the help they can get. Just stay safe until then.

[MagicKingdom05]

SplshMtn99,

MSNBC just said that it was wind gust of 213 MPH with sustained winds of 175.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

thousands of can't. I have to report to work in 12 hours. I am sorry, but I can't lose my job. 2 nurses were fired in Dennis for not showing, and 6 were fired during Ivan. The hospital will even report you to state to take your license away. My prayers are with those who can't leave--there are over a 1000 nurses standing their ground in NOLA, and the police officers, and firemen, etc.

I applaud those who do stay--it is so easy to say that the job isn't worth it--but it affects your livlihood--and honestly, your rehirability even if you maintained your license b/c then you have to tell the new job that you chose to leave during a natural disaster.

And worse---people will need help--if EVERY medical, fire, and police worker made this same choice---then the people truly in need....the moms and their new babies--the babies in NICU, the patients on life support, any patient--would be on there own.

It is honorable that you are indeed doing the right thing. Stay as safe as possible!

[dvcgirl]

sustained winds are now 175mph with gusts over 200 mph. The storm surge for NO could be as high as 25 feet. NO is already below sea level and the levees are about 9ft high (they were built to 12 ft, but there has been settling/sinking over the years). I'm hearing that we could have incredible loss of life and approximately 100 billion in damage.

On a much less important note....this is the kind of storm that may very well have major effects on our economy. Look for the price of gas to skyrocket....it's the worst case scenario on many levels.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Rozzie,

Trust me know one is going to blame you for staying especially as a nurse. Once this passes in the next 48 hours they will need all the help they can get. Just stay safe until then.

Right--and the evacuation does not apply to necessary medical/safety/utility personel and hotels and their patrons.


Guys---we must remember that for disasters---yes we must save ourselves--but if you are in a lifesaving role...you made it your duty to save others first.

[Laurabearz]

My thoughts are with all those in Katrina's path. (((Hugs)))

[bengalbelle]

Has anyone seen reports on the airport in NO? Is it still operational? When do they expect to shut it down?
I would imagine many are flying out as fast as they can.
Delta announced last night they were cancelling all flights today. Last I heard the airport was still open. I imagine if it still is, it will be closing soon.

[DisneyCP2002]

Prayers go out to all of those in Katrina's path :grouphug:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I haven't heard sustained winds that high, but gusts were 195 last I heard.




That's so cool!! I now "know" someone that was on This Old House. I can still remember EXACTLY what your mom looks like. I liked that house alot. Were/are you one of the kids they had at the time in that home? Sorry to hi-jack thread!

I hope the home & whomever lives there now stays safe!!!!!!!

Yes--I was the oldest. She calls that her tv husband. They ended up divorcing.

[4nana]

:worried: Watching the hurricane updates with a very heavy heart.
Prayers from MD. for all those in harm's way to please find safe shelter.
May God bless as you face mother nature's wrath. ^i^

[vald1977]

Prayers to all in the path of this storm :grouphug: . It is truly scary.

[paigevz]

Can anyone confirm a report I just heard on the radio that the hurricanw winds have picked up to over 200 MPH. I am looking online now to see if I can find anything.

Current max sustained winds 175.........gusts to 215

my brother called me from my parents in Oklahoma...........he's safe..........one of his friends had no car, he tried to get him to go with him to OK, but he wouldn't go..............

[bengalbelle]

Has anyone seen reports on the airport in NO? Is it still operational? When do they expect to shut it down?
I would imagine many are flying out as fast as they can.
This is all I've found so far
Flight cancellations as of:
8/28/05 07:30 CST

Delta – All Flights Canceled Sunday

United – All Flights Canceled Sunday and Monday

US Airways – Cease Operations after 1:25 pm departure to PHL

Northwest – Cease Operations at 9:04 a.m.

American – Cease Operations after 1:00 p.m.

[ufgator]

Sending prayers from South Florida. Please be safe. May God bless you. :grouphug:

[paigevz]

Mayor of NO says levees will not hold.

Displacement of people will last for quite some time. Look for our schools to get new kids Texans...............and they'll be shell-shocked from how quickly their lives changed.

[Shutterbug]

Right--and the evacuation does not apply to necessary medical/safety/utility personel and hotels and their patrons.


Guys---we must remember that for disasters---yes we must save ourselves--but if you are in a lifesaving role...you made it your duty to save others first.


True true...I meant to say that for those who can..should!

[MagicKingdom05]

paigevz,

The Mayor could have tried and sugar coat it, but didn't and wanted everyone to know what the state has to look forward to storm wise.

[bumcat]

One big mistake the reporters are making which has happened before: they are focusing on NO only and saying very very little about Miss and Ala. I just hope and pray that people in the other states or even those to the west of NO are getting out. Hurricanes can turn so quickly.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

True true...I meant to say that for those who can..should!


Right--but I keep seeing a couple people saying ditch the job and care about yourself--but when it comes to the rescue/medical field, it just isn't right in a disaster. Kind of one of the known things when you take on the job.

I am just :earseek: at the suggestions to leave that. I just can't imagine if it was their loved one the nurse or doctor would be abandoning.

[Shutterbug]

One big mistake the reporters are making which has happened before: they are focusing on NO only and saying very very little about Miss and Ala. I just hope and pray that people in the other states or even those to the west of NO are getting out. Hurricanes can turn so quickly.


Yes ground zero could shift east or west.

[Shutterbug]

Right--but I keep seeing a couple people saying ditch the job and care about yourself--but when it comes to the rescue/medical field, it just isn't right in a disaster. Kind of one of the known things when you take on the job.


Yes just the like firemen who rushed into the twin towers on 9/11 as others were rushing out.

[Shutterbug]

Just heard a MET say because of the wind speed and how far they strech out from center to think of this as one huge slow moving tornado.

[becka]

I just logged on to check the track of the hurricane and I cannot believe what I am seeing. My prayers are with everyone in the path of this storm.

[bengalbelle]

One big mistake the reporters are making which has happened before: they are focusing on NO only and saying very very little about Miss and Ala. I just hope and pray that people in the other states or even those to the west of NO are getting out. Hurricanes can turn so quickly.
They're not doing that here. They're talking extensively about how Biloxi and other points east are also in danger.

[Beastlover]

Thinking of all affected....prayers to you.... :grouphug:

[bumcat]

That's good to hear Bengalbelle. That happened once before and people were angry saying they weren't warned when a hurricane turned, can't remember which one that was.

[Shutterbug]

That's good to hear Bengalbelle. That happened once before and people were angry saying they weren't warned when a hurricane turned, can't remember which one that was.

Charlie last year...made a sudden right turn at the last minute. Although the area that did get hit even though wasnt suppose to be where the center was suppose to hit was STILL in the warning area.

[Luv2Roam]

Even though we have not experienced a hurricane of this magnitude, and DH is not in the healthcare field, knowing him, he would not evacuate either. (Move to as safe of a place as possible, and probably make me and the pets leave.)
He and his team supply a major home improvement chain. And of course that covers necessary suvival and preparation supplies, such as roofing, plywood, generators, gas cans, water, flashlights, etc.
He works extra long hours before, after, and right up until the hurricane arrives. Even when I have been upset he stays too late (IMHO) he feel sit is very important to get the needed supplies into the stores.
Some of their semis before our last two hurricanes were even attacked on their way to the stores.

[legs22]

I know if you don't show up here at the hospital for work before a hurricane, you will be fired. Glad I don't work for the hospital anymore.
When I worked at the hospital I always chose post-hurricane work duty. Before the storm, I want to be home with family getting prepared or evacuating.

Extremely tough situation to be in.

[bengalbelle]

That's good to hear Bengalbelle. That happened once before and people were angry saying they weren't warned when a hurricane turned, can't remember which one that was.
It does happen, unfortunately. I love our local meteorologists. They don't try to create panic, just get the message across. They also don't say we're out of the woods when a hurricane is anywhere in the Gulf. They might say we think we'll be ok, but never you're safe until the hurricane makes landfall.

I truly hope this is happening in all other areas of the Gulf Coast.

[bengalbelle]

Even though we have not experienced a hurricane of this magnitude, and DH is not in the healthcare field, knowing him, he would not evacuate either. (Move to as safe of a place as possible, and probably make me and the pets leave.)
He and his team supply a major home improvement chain. And of course that covers necessary suvival and preparation supplies, such as roofing, plywood, generators, gas cans, water, flashlights, etc.
He works extra long hours before, after, and right up until the hurricane arrives. Even when I have been upset he stays too late (IMHO) he feel sit is very important to get the needed supplies into the stores.
Some of their semis before our last two hurricanes were even attacked on their way to the stores.
Our parish is not under an evacuation order, but DH could not evacuate due to work.

[arminnie]

I lived in the San Francisco area for many years - including the earthquake of '89. So many people used to say "How can you live there with the earthquake danger?"

Believe me I would take an earthquake ANY day over a hurricane. All of these reports about how long it is going to last and the flooding for weeks, etc. for the hurricanes.

The earthquake was over in a few seconds (literally). And then it was this beautiful sunny day. People may have had damage to deal with, but it was finite - it didn't keep compounding.

Thank God that Ray Nagin is the mayor now. He is about ten thousand times better than his predecessor.

[paigevz]

paigevz,

The Mayor could have tried and sugar coat it, but didn't and wanted everyone to know what the state has to look forward to storm wise.

Right. I wasn't criticizing, just giving some info I heard that I hadn't seen posted yet.

My brother says the economic ramifications will be huge. He says there will be so many displaced homeless people, all Gulf oil production will be compromised so gas prices will rise, shipping will be compromised so there will be shortages of some items, other economic impacts we won't know for a while, like one of the major sugar plants is there and the only one that supplies MandM/Mars........just for an example..............

I am hearing a lot of this echoed on various sites/news.

[Planogirl]

It sounds like things are being handled quite well in Louisiana and it's good to know that Mississippi and Alabama are being thought of too. I keep thinking 'Camille', a terrible storm I've read about. Of course, things are much different now.

I pray for the best.

[cynsaun]

Our parish is not under an evacuation order, but DH could not evacuate due to work.

Stay safe, bengalbelle!

[TXTink]

DD is a freshman at LSU, so she is bunkered down in her dorm. I sure wish she was home!

I have been trying to see what the forecast is for Baton Rouge, does anyone know how they fair in hurricanes? Any info would be comforting!

[paigevz]

TXTink........I heard the MOST the expect wind-wise would be 100 mph..........strong, but that's the large end of the scale. Most structures can handle that.............a dorm would. Lots of rain, but in a dorm and not needing to go out at all, she would be fine.

[wdw4us2]

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the projected path of Katrina. :grouphug:

PLEASE follow the instructions of your local emergency managers. I keep seeing reports on TV of people saying they're going to "ride it out" rather than follow the evacuation order.

You don't ride out a Category 5 hurricane, you die in it.

[bengalbelle]

DD is a freshman at LSU, so she is bunkered down in her dorm. I sure wish she was home!

I have been trying to see what the forecast is for Baton Rouge, does anyone know how they fair in hurricanes? Any info would be comforting!
Baton Rouge is looking pretty good right now. They're only expected to have sustained winds of tropical storm strength according to our last local forecast (I live near BR). Flooding is expected to be a problem, along with minor wind damage. It's right on the outer fringes of the storm as they're showing it now.

LSU is not a bad place to be if you have to be hunkered down. I think she'll be well taken care of there :goodvibes . My inlaws live near LSU and if looks like it will get bad here, we may head there.

The parishes to the east and southeast of Baton Rouge are expected to have hurricane strength winds, but only minimal. The farther east/southeast the stronger the winds.

[MagicKingdom05]

Economic wise they are saying that prices for everything will triple if not more and that we could be looking at a major oil and gas shortage because of this storm. Some experts are saying depending on how this all plays out, we could be looking at atleast $5-$7 a gal gas if not more (some are speculating about possible $8) because of this and that heating oil will be very very expensive.

The major issue is that because the oil rig workers were evacuated so quickly they didn't have time to sesure the rigs so they would stay in place. So when this all passes, they will all have to be rebuilt and it could take months for that to be done.

[Free4Life11]

Why do Fox, MSNBC, CNN Headliine have no live feeds? All they keep showing is an image of a highway -- one side has traffic, the other has about 5 cars and the last one is a white one. They keep showing it, are they unable to have live feeds on the major networks?

[bengalbelle]

DD is a freshman at LSU, so she is bunkered down in her dorm. I sure wish she was home!

I have been trying to see what the forecast is for Baton Rouge, does anyone know how they fair in hurricanes? Any info would be comforting!
I just re-read and realized I didn't answer the second part of your question. Baton Rouge had damage from Hurricane Andrew (a category 5) and I would say it came through the storm pretty well. As you drove into the city you would see some places with no damage and others with more extensive damage. Flooding and power outages are the biggest concerns, but LSU generates it's own power so I don't think they will be as bad off.

Our news just said BR should expect sustained winds of 35-45 mph. Livingston and Ascension Parishes should expect sustained winds of 100 mph. All other parishes east of that, :earseek:

[paigevz]

From the NHC forums:

I know everyone can access the links on the front page of this thread to read all the official bulletins and local statements being issued by the NHC and various National Weather Service offices. But, when I read this excerpt from the 10:00 am New Orleans National Weather Service Local Statement, I was stunned. I have never seen such a graphic expression (from an official source!) of the expected devastation from any hurricane. For those who have not taken the time to browse through the informative links provided, I cut-and-pasted this excerpt....read for yourself and pray that something intervenes to save New Orleans from this fate:

Quote from the National Weather Service, New Orleans:

Quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HURRICANE Katrina...A MOST POWERFUL HURRICANE WITH UNPRECEDENTED
STRENGTH...RIVALING THE INTENSITY OF HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969.

MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS...PERHAPS LONGER. AT
LEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL
FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL...LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.

THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL.
PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD
FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED. CONCRETE
BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE...INCLUDING SOME
WALL AND ROOF FAILURE.

HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY...A
FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT.

AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD...AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH
AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATE
ADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS...PETS...AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE
WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK.

POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS...AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN
AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING
INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY
THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING...BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEW
CROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BE
KILLED.

[babar]

Oh god, prayers for everyone involved. I just woke up and saw how horrible this is.

I'm not even there and I have this horrible feeling in my stomach...it's so bad to just sit and wait for something like this to happen (god forbid) and not be able to do anything about it.

Good luck you guys. :grouphug:

[Free4Life11]

Oh my God! This sounds like something out of the movies! I pray it doesn't get that severe.

Where did you find that quote? I looked for it but can't find it...when you read it it almost sounds like a joke it's so hard to believe.

[arminnie]

It sounds like things are being handled quite well in Louisiana and it's good to know that Mississippi and Alabama are being thought of too. I keep thinking 'Camille', a terrible storm I've read about.

I moved away from the Gulf Coast before Camille hit, but I remember that a shopping mall that I had been to in 1967 was just totally gone. That really resonated with me. A major indoor shopping mall just erased from the face of the earth.

More info:
As Camille marched toward the Mississippi coast in darkness, brick by brick, civilization from near Ansley to Biloxi, was erased. Homes, motels, apartments, restaurants, and other buildings were swept off their foundations, and deposited in mountains of rubble together with trees and automobiles. The local effect resembled an atomic bombing. Camille's 200 mph wind gusts and 25 foot storm surge, destroyed 100 years of growth and progress along the Mississippi coast in only three hours. Survivors near the eye reported a deafening roar of wind, that was by itself truly terrifying, often compared to speeding freight train. Although the damage in all of southern Mississippi was appalling, within about 1/2 mile from the ocean, most of the structures seemed to have just vanished. Only footings and slabs remained. Even plumbing systems had been removed. (W.Guice 1970).

[Planogirl]

Paige, that's unbelievably creepy.

[MinnieM3]

:grouphug: This is unbelievably sad. My prayers for all who live there or have friends and family who do. I'm so sorry you must endure this.

[MagicKingdom05]

paigevz

OMG. :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad2: :sad2:

[wdw4us2]

The scariest thing I've heard so far was just on Fox News.

A retired meteorologist who worked for the National Weather Service in the 1960's emailed in his thoughts and memories of the Hurricanes Betsy, Camille and Audrey that hit New Orleans where he was working.

His memories of the deaths in the aftermath still disturb him. People did not die from the wind, flooding or debris. The died from SNAKE BITES. He said that when the levees failed, like the human survivors the snakes were battling for higher ground to get away from the salt water. Regarding the battle - he said, "The snakes won."

Pretty scary thought.

[Free4Life11]

Oh yeah I heard that too. They say all sorts of nasties will be washed out from the swamps...alligators, snakes, rats. Horrible. I hate snakes with a passion.

[cynsaun]

Oh god, prayers for everyone involved. I just woke up and saw how horrible this is.

I'm not even there and I have this horrible feeling in my stomach...it's so bad to just sit and wait for something like this to happen (god forbid) and not be able to do anything about it.

Good luck you guys. :grouphug:

I feel the same way. :guilty:

[Free4Life11]

Yeah it's terrible. You wish you could do something, but about all you can do is pray.

[MagicKingdom05]

wdw4us2,

The mayor said that on one of the new shows either fox or MSNBC. He mentioned that the wild animals (snakes, some kind of water rat, alligators, etc) had to go some where and they would go into the water filled streets of NO.

When I think it can't get any worse it does. Just think in 24-36 hours the New Orleans that we all know, will no longer be there.

[The Mystery Machine]

Horrible, just horrible. I was watching TWC and it said that at least 100,000+ people will be in the hurricane as most are the poor, with children. No cars or money to leave.

The death toll could be astronomical if this thing does its worst.

[Claire L]

Thoughts to everyone effetced by Katrina and especially to those who have to stay such as hospital staff, Police and Fire, take care :grouphug:
Claire ;)

[arminnie]

Oh yeah I heard that too. They say all sorts of nasties will be washed out from the swamps...alligators, snakes, rats. Horrible. I hate snakes with a passion.

More from Camille:

Adding to the devastated landscape, was a serious and growing vermin control problem.

Immediately after President Nixon sent 1,000 federal troops into the area, Governor John Williams declared martial law. Using federal troops and state police, all roads leading into the area where the eye had crossed the coast were sealed off. Military and local police imposed a curfew.

The first problem to overcome was the thousands of dead farm animals, pets, and wildlife. Camille's incredible storm surge had drowned thousands of animals. Heavy equipment was brought in to bury thousands of dead cows, horses and pets. Next, insects and rodents had quickly overrun the stricken area - feeding on dead animal carcasses and rotting food.

Rattlesnakes, fire ants, and rats bit dozens of victims as they sifted through the rubble. In an attempt to control fire ants, low flying spray planes roared up and down the Mississippi coast, dropping 100,000 pounds of mirex.
The state and federal government supplied thousands of bulldozers and dump trucks to cart away the twisted wreckage. Some of the debris was simply burned. What was not burned - was buried. Convoys of dump trucks continued removing debris, day after day for the rest of 1969. The disaster relief effort after Hurricane Camille was the largest in United States history until Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

[paigevz]

I'm just sick.

My brother isn't even taking this in really. He's still somehow thinking it won't hit NO. He keeps saying he wished he'd brought the fish. He feels bad that he left their fishtank.

[Planogirl]

Eck, the thought of snakes and gators being everywhere is really spooky. Of course, they have to go somewhere too but still!

I just thought about the zoos in the area. Those animals can't be evacuated of course. Not to mention livestock and BIG time worst of all, the poor. It's all so overwhelming. :(

[Shutterbug]

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/FLOAT/VIS/20.jpg

[Free4Life11]

This is making my sick. I'm nowhere near N. Orleans but my heart is beating so fast...I just feel horrible.

[bumcat]

How safe is it staying in the superdome? Isn't that still awfully close to where it might hit?

[cynsaun]

I feel so sick when I think about these people that can't leave New Orleans because they don't have transportation or money.

[Free4Life11]

Well they say the Superdome is safe; I don't know how it is laid out. Are there tiers of seating? I can't imagine how horrible it must feel NOT being able to leave!!

[zakatak]

How about the Red Cross? Is it asking for donations yet? Blood, $$, furnishings? Is there anything we can do?

[TXTink]

I just re-read and realized I didn't answer the second part of your question. Baton Rouge had damage from Hurricane Andrew (a category 5) and I would say it came through the storm pretty well. As you drove into the city you would see some places with no damage and others with more extensive damage. Flooding and power outages are the biggest concerns, but LSU generates it's own power so I don't think they will be as bad off.

Our news just said BR should expect sustained winds of 35-45 mph. Livingston and Ascension Parishes should expect sustained winds of 100 mph. All other parishes east of that, :earseek:

Thank you very much for the information! I know what to expect if a hurricane hits Houston or Galveston, but had no idea about Baton Rouge!

She has just called and has gotten back to her dorm from the stores and said they are out of everything! But she did get a few items, and finally found a gas station that still had gas! I can't believe she is there all by herself! She said there are very few people in the dorm, but I'm sure they will all band together tonight to ride it out.

It sounds like Baton Rouge will handle it pretty well though, so thanks to everyone that responded!

God bless everyone in the path of this monster storm!

[MagicKingdom05]

They are saying that people with cars are showing up at the Superdome waiting to get in. I understand some of these people might not have the $$$ to leave, but some of them do and I am sure once this passes they will wish they had left because this will be a bad thing to be in.

[arminnie]

They are saying that people with cars are showing up at the Superdome waiting to get in. I understand some of these people might not have the $$$ to leave, but some of them do and I am sure once this passes they will wish they had left because this will be a bad thing to be in.

In the past a lot of people took their cars to the Superdome to park them on the upper levels of the parking lot in case of flood.

[Free4Life11]

I'm sure after this hits and is all said and done, many charities will be taking donations.

[Free4Life11]

They say it could move at the last minute...lets hope it does.

On Fox News they just said that the Superdome is 25 feet ABOVE sea level...should be ok.

[Shutterbug]

They say it could move at the last minute...lets hope it does.

I know how you feel..problem is, that means someone else gets it :guilty:

[MagicKingdom05]

I hope so. I little one way or the other could really help New Orleans out alot. Obviously somebody will get hit by this and it will be devistating, but not as devistating as if it hit New Orleans directly.

[Free4Life11]

I am wondering about the National Weather Service memo posted a few pages back. Not that I am questioning the poster, but I can't find a link for it. It just sounds so unbelievable....I've never seen a NWS update where they discuss things live livestock, trees, etc. Can anyone provide a link? To be honest I hope not, I hope it's a joke and that someone did that just so the scare people into evacuating!

Are there any video feeds of the highways? How are they looking?? I haven't heard much about how the evacuation is going.

[MagicKingdom05]

I was on there earlier and saw about the same thing as was posted, but since they have a new update it looks like it's been removed.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just heard a MET say because of the wind speed and how far they strech out from center to think of this as one huge slow moving tornado.

Now that is a visual that puts it in to perspective.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

DD is a freshman at LSU, so she is bunkered down in her dorm. I sure wish she was home!

I have been trying to see what the forecast is for Baton Rouge, does anyone know how they fair in hurricanes? Any info would be comforting!

Sadly with these dimensions--Baton Rouge will see hurricane force everything.

We lived in Goose Creek for Hugo and were well inland--but very much in the hurricane zone.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

How about the Red Cross? Is it asking for donations yet? Blood, $$, furnishings? Is there anything we can do?

Donate blood now!

[Luv2Roam]

At least a tornado is fast moving.
Monster Katrina will linger for hours.
I would take my chances on the tornado.

[wednesday]

:sad2: :sad1: I fell really bad for the people and animals caught in the path of this. Having been through a few hurricanes I just can't even begin to imagine what this one is going to be like. I just talked to my mom who lives in Mobile, AL (who is in the cone of error for this storm) She said that they are saying if it hits New Orleans there could be over 40,000 casualties. Awful........ I hope that everyone in the path makes it through safe and sound.

[Shutterbug]

I am wondering about the National Weather Service memo posted a few pages back. Not that I am questioning the poster, but I can't find a link for it. It just sounds so unbelievable....I've never seen a NWS update where they discuss things live livestock, trees, etc. Can anyone provide a link? To be honest I hope not, I hope it's a joke and that someone did that just so the scare people into evacuating!

Are there any video feeds of the highways? How are they looking?? I haven't heard much about how the evacuation is going.



Here ya go Free4Life11

Scroll a little bit down to see it

http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/iwszone?Sites=:laz069



......

[MagicKingdom05]

They just showed a picture of a couple of idiot teens on jet skis in the ocean on fox news as the waves start to build.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Watching a live feed of a NOLA station and there are idiots--WITH CHILDREN....swimming in the gulf in Gulfport.

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

It makes you shake your head and wonder what they are thinking. Finishing your vacation isn't worth losing a family member. Vacations can be saved up for and done again, you can't bring a child or family member back if they are killed.

[Planogirl]

Where are the surfers?

Unfortunately, you always get wackos out along the coast when these things approach.

Speaking of which ;) , where is Jim Cantore?

[Luv2Roam]

I am wondering why NO (and any coastal metropolitan area) does not have plans of mass evacuation on mass transit.
I am thinking of those who say they have no transportation, money, etc.
Seems like it would behoove any large metro area to make available busses, trains, whatever they could to move residents out.
Literally announce a schedule for trains, busses, and state be there if you want out.
In cases like this I can't imagine churches and schools from other states would not help out somehow on a temporary basis.
the mass transit would be costly. But so will the aftermath for taking care of those who stay.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

In Houma--a residence home of some kind (nursing care) hired a charter bus to evacuate patients to Lafayette.

So there are evacuations of medical facilities.

[TXTink]

Watching a live feed of a NOLA station and there are idiots--WITH CHILDREN....swimming in the gulf in Gulfport.
Good grief!! I am worried about my DD in a DORM!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa loves Pooh,

It makes you shake your head and wonder what they are thinking. Finishing your vacation isn't worth losing a family member. Vacations can be saved up for and done again, you can bring a child or family member back if they are killed.


I'm not sure they were vacationers--actually--the reporter and news station were careful to NOT show these people up close b/c they do not want to empasize the stupidity.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I am wondering why NO (and any coastal metropolitan area) does not have plans of mass evacuation on mass transit.
I am thinking of those who say they have no transportation, money, etc.
Seems like it would behoove any large metro area to make available busses, trains, whatever they could to move residents out.
Literally announce a schedule for trains, busses, and state be there if you want out.
In cases like this I can't imagine churches and schools from other states would not help out somehow on a temporary basis.
the mass transit would be costly. But so will the aftermath for taking care of those who stay.

A category 5 does not happen every day.

They did announce plans--but even so---each evacuation you learn something new.

The mayor did discuss last night about using busses and trains--but I haven't heard anything if this actually manifested.

[Claire L]

What annoys me is these irresponsible people in the surf then expect to be saved if they get into difficulties and put the lives of rescurers at risk, especially at the moment when the emergency services have enough on their plate!!
Claire ;)

[wendy1974]

They keep announcing on local radio that with the wind speeds where they are at now and with what they are predicted to become this is now categorized as the 6th largest Hurricane in history. It's really scary. I live in Ascension Parish (Gonzales) which is directly between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. They have not issued a mandatory evacuation for us but they have issued a precautionary evac. I am staying at my parents house tonight rather than in my condo. I pray this passes quickly and without too much devastation.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Channel 4 NOLA if you wish to watch a live feed.

http://www.wwltv.com/perl/common/video/wmPlayer.pl?title=beloint_wwltv&props=livenoad


Planogirl--I believe that Jim Cantorri is in Biloxi--I believe weather.com will tell you where he and his fellow reporters are located.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Oh my--did I just hear right?

Landfall between 7pm and 7am??

[Luv2Roam]

While this does not happen every day, or year, thank goodness, I have heard several times reference to "the Big One" that was overdue, expected, prepared for, etc.
I have also heard mention often about the few roads going out of NO.
Too late now, but seems like a mass exodus would be in any plans.
This could be a lesson learned for areas like NYC, for any catrastophy that could happen.

Could Katrina knock out the bridges in NO?

[cynsaun]

Ok, I just heard that the people that are seeking refuge at the Superdome should be safe, because the second story is well above flood stage. This seems all well and good, but what happens if the Superdome can't stand up to the winds and flooding structurally?

I am just sick. :guilty:

[Luv2Roam]

I heard earlier the Super Dome can withstand winds of 200 MPH.
I wonder how they test these theories?

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

Between 7 pm and 7 am is what they are indicating.

[MagicKingdom05]

Luv2Roam

Good question.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

While this does not happen every day, or year, thank goodness, I have heard several times reference to "the Big One" that was overdue, ecpected, prepared for, etc.
I have also heard mention often about the few roads going out of NO.
Too late now, but seems like a mass exodus would be in any plans.
This could be a lesson learned for areas like NYC, for any catrastophy that could happen.

Could Katrina knock out the bridges in NO?


Not sure--but the city of NOLA was never built with respect to a hurricane--it's geography alone is foolish. That said--another part of the problem isn't the people who want to leave but can't--but the ones who could and should leave but choose not to.

The evacuations actually look like they are going very well.

Doesn't matter if the bridges are knocked out if most of the city is under water.

Ivan knocked out a portion of I-10 in Alabama, was it. Anyway---it just all depends on how things get hit.

During Hugo--in Charleston--the Ben Sawyer Bridge was a rotating bridge---the hurricane spun it and broke it. They did end up repairing it for access but made it permanently closed--you just never know what a hurricane will precisely do--but it can wipe out highways/bridges.

[goudaman40]

Hello All

We are in Pensacola (5 miles from the Ala. border) - our fear is that it will hit Moss Point . . . If you look at the wobble - it's moving more to the north - which means LA will be brushed then it will come between East MS and Mobile - look at the track of this like the one for Arlene

Also - look at the ridge that is N. of LA coming in from TX - it is squeezing Katrina and pushing to the East of N.O.

Just my opinion - Also - when Dennis came in Jim Cantore was at Pensacola Beach - but it came into the East of him - so if it goes like the last time - the eye should pass by Moss Point!

[MagicKingdom05]

cynsaun,

If it can't withstand the winds and flooding, then it would be like Titanic only in a building.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I heard earlier the Super Dome can withstand winds of 200 MPH.
I wonder how they test these theories?


Engineers figure that stuff out. The problem is if there is a breech in the roof that allows even a little bit of air--that little bit can cause a larger breech and then voila.

But as I was told when having my screen built---just b/c it says it can withstand--it isn't wind-proof. Depends on what other debris is doing and as I said--breeches.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

cynsaun,

If it can't withstand the winds and flooding, then it would be like Titanic only in a building.

I'm sorry--sadly--this made me giggle!

[Shutterbug]

Outer bands approaching:

http://www.weather.gov/radar/images/DS.p19r0/SI.klix/latest.gif

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Ok, I just heard that the people that are seeking refuge at the Superdome should be safe, because the second story is well above flood stage. This seems all well and good, but what happens if the Superdome can't stand up to the winds and flooding structurally?

I am just sick. :guilty:

There biggest concern is that it isn't going to be the paradise that people expect it to be--it will be hot, without power, and without plumbing.

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

Please no Leonardo Decapro and Kate Winslet comments about them playing rolls in a movie about this.That was the only thing I could think of at the time to describe what it would be like if the superdome couldn't withstand the hurricane and started to flood.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Freaky weather knowledge--people can expect their ears to pop, their knees to swell, and even a closed potato chip bag to inflate b/c of the way low barometric pressure.

WEIRD!

[CourtasanSatine]

Off topic to goudaman40: Cute kitty :)

On topic: I just got a email from a email friend near Batron Rouge and he's heading for Texas(has family in DFW). Any news on that area?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa loves Pooh,

Please no Leonardo Decapro and Kate Winslet comments about them playing rolls in a movie about this.That was the only thing I could think of at the time to describe what it would be like if the superdome couldn't withstand the hurricane and started to flood.

:rolleyes1

I knew what you meant. It just made me giggle.

Until tested in the element--you never really know what a buidling is going to do. This is the first I heard that it could withstand winds that high.

[CinderellaPrincess]

I dunno...but one of my best freinds lives in Baton Rouge. I just called her and she isn't home. her hubby is though...I just am worried about them. I hope someone knows how things are in/around Baton Rouge.....

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Off topic to goudaman40: Cute kitty :)

On topic: I just got a email from a email friend near Batron Rouge and he's heading for Texas(has family in DFW). Any news on that area?


Hope I get this right--gets congested in BR...instead of I-10---it says take I-110 north and then connect with highway 50-something to go west. But I'm sure he's paying attention to all that. If he's east of baton rouge---they won't let him go west ---that is what the fatigued traffic reporter is saying.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Contraflow ends at 4pm--means that it will go back to normal traffic. Roads will not be closed--but it does limit the exit (I guess it means officials aren't there to man it).


(And they are evacuating their reporters to report elsewhere and so they can come back and report later--first I've heard of reporters running away from a storm! At least they are setting a good example!)

[madge]

:rolleyes1

I knew what you meant. It just made me giggle.

Until tested in the element--you never really know what a buidling is going to do. This is the first I heard that it could withstand winds that high.

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/wwl092304thanh.1295648.html

This article, about the Superdome, is posted at www.flhurricane.com :(

[Luv2Roam]

somewhat irrelevant since they did not factor in the new high-rise buildings around the Dome.
Oh THAT is a comforting :rolleyes: thought.

[Desiree]

We just got back from the store and it was a madhouse. It took us about 2 hours to get through Wal-Mart and all we went for was some non-perishables, water and cookies! There were a ton of people in the store from New Orleans. At least some of the people took heed to the warnings!

We also managed to swing by Barnes and Noble for some books in case the power goes out!

Everyone... stay safe!!!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

yes--a high-rise building would be potential debris and potentially breeching the dome.

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

That could be a very big oops something hits the silverdome.

[Luv2Roam]

Down to 902 mb (pressure) now.
Winds at 184. :guilty:

[Planogirl]

Does anyone know if Katrina has started its northward turn yet? I can't find anything recent that says anything about direction.

[MagicKingdom05]

Luv2Roam,

They did just mention that it was picking up speed so that increase in wind strength makes sense.

[cynsaun]

cynsaun,

If it can't withstand the winds and flooding, then it would be like Titanic only in a building.

Oh, this just makes me sick to my stomach. I hope this doesn't happen.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Down to 902 mb (pressure) now.
Winds at 184. :guilty:


The news station--took the max wind speed and added the directional movement wind speed--so on the east side of the storm, winds are in the 180s.

this just in..
flight level wind is 191--180 at surface, mb at 902

they see a "perfectly formed storm".

[CourtasanSatine]

Lisa loves Pooh: I figured as much since he's heading for Dallas and is east of the city(he's in college in Baton Rouge). Anything on LSU

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Does anyone know if Katrina has started its northward turn yet? I can't find anything recent that says anything about direction.


yes it is NW instead of WNW--so it is having a toggle

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa loves Pooh: I figured as much since he's heading for Dallas and is east of the city(he's in college in Baton Rouge). Anything on LSU


No--but check this link--it I'm watching the "local" news all the way from Florida--that's where I'm adding in blips.

http://www.wwltv.com/perl/common/video/wmPlayer.pl?title=beloint_wwltv&props=livenoad

Major rain bands are going through now!

[TXTink]

We just got back from the store and it was a madhouse. It took us about 2 hours to get through Wal-Mart and all we went for was some non-perishables, water and cookies! There were a ton of people in the store from New Orleans. At least some of the people took heed to the warnings!

We also managed to swing by Barnes and Noble for some books in case the power goes out!

Everyone... stay safe!!!
I was wondering if you knew what the local weather casters were saying about the impact on Baton Rouge?

[totalia]

Yall are scaring the hell out of me. My fiance lives in New Orleans. And so does much of his family.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yall are scaring the hell out of me. My fiance lives in New Orleans. And so does much of his family.


Have they evacuated????

[Luv2Roam]

Consider how far away from the hurricane the Orlando area is and we have an outer band storm moving through now. (winds at only 14 mph)

[phorsenuf]

Yall are scaring the hell out of me. My fiance lives in New Orleans. And so does much of his family.


I certainly hope they have evacuated. You may want to give him an call and if he hasn't, tell him to get moving!

[totalia]

My fiance has reservations in another city at a hotel but his aunt is talking about going to Alabama and he might go with her. He just told me that he's told his boss he isnt willing to be part of the "hurricane wait out team."

His stupid company actually has people stay to wait out the hurricanes while the owner gets to a safe distance. He needs to find a new place to work. I'm not willing to put my life on the line to answer the very very few potential phone calls that might come through for reservations and other paperwork crap.

I don't get why they don't just go to Tennesse. His parents are there. It's a 12 hour drive but they could stay for free for however long it takes. It's not like his parents will kick them out or anything.

I am SO worried right now.

Course, the last Cat 4 hurricane they thought was going to hit turned at the last minute so anything is possible.

THIS is why I think he should just come to Alberta instead of me going down to the US. We don't have drastics in weather here. The mountains protect us. We get the occasional tornado but they only land where there are people maybe once every 5 years or so. We get snow and it gets cold but the deepest it ever gets is maybe a foot and thats at the worst time of year (usually January/February) for only a couple of weeks. It gets hot but not unbelievably so like down in NO and lasts a few weeks. No earthquakes or anything.

Its just so much safer. Its the hurricanes that scare the heck out of me.

[TXTink]

Lisa loves Pooh: I figured as much since he's heading for Dallas and is east of the city(he's in college in Baton Rouge). Anything on LSU
My DD is at LSU as well, I am trying to keep up with Baton Rouge too.

[Viking]

Everyone staying in NO must have suicidal tendencies!!!
That city is below sea level and the storm is pushing a 20 foot wave towards it. Nothing short of miracle can help anyone staying there.
Going to Tennessee may be calling for trouble as it still keeps you in teh path of Katrina - just have a look at the NOAA-forecast.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Every major company has a hurricane team. It is in their better interest to get back to work ASAP. However, for hubbies company--they evacuate and have an alternative location that they can get the whole corporation up and running from a distance.

I hope he stays safe--I also hope he won't lose his job :(.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My DD is at LSU as well, I am trying to keep up with Baton Rouge too.


I will see if I can find a BR live feed.

This station only mentioned BR when talking about contra flow.

[TXTink]

I will see if I can find a BR live feed.

This station only mentioned BR when talking about contra flow.

Thanks :flower: , I have been looking around too. But, I think the lack of information is actually a good thing! They must not be too worried about Baton Rouge. It's just this thing looks so big!

[bengalbelle]

I'm about 25 miles east from downtown Baton Rouge. It is hot and sunny right now. Ascension Parish (according to someone we know who lives there) is starting to get rain.

Our forecasters are still only predicting 35-45 mph winds in Baton Rouge. Much of Louisiana is considered a "low lying area" so flooding is a major concern pretty much everywhere. My parish is under a mandatory evacuation for parts of the parish. We are 2 miles north of the "line" they've drawn.

As someone mentioned, contraflow is scheduled to end at 4pm central time. I didn't understand someone's comment about not being able to go west from the east, because that is what is happening now. Traffic on Hwy 190 in Livingston Parish is HEAVY! I-12 in Livingston Parish is moving along fine. Traffic is heavy on I-10 in Baton Rouge and points west which is to be expected. There aren't lots of ways in and out of the cities. They will not be doing contraflow through Baton Rouge as it would literally cripple the city.

Shelters are popping up all over metro Baton Rouge. The Superdome in New Orleans is now a general public shelter. They're using shuttles and busses to move people to the dome.

Someone mentioned using mass transit out of New Orleans. Simply can't be done. NO is pretty much surrounded by water and swampland. There aren't a lot of ways in and out, and our state does not rely heavily on public transportation except in the inner cities.

On a personal note I had to run an errand and several things got to me. First, all of the people with their cars packed to the hilt sitting in traffic trying to get through town. Secondly, a fleet of Sheriff's vehicles heading for the department which haven't even been fully painted yet :(. I saw them at our local Ford dealership last week. I guess they feel they will need the additional support. Part of our parish is on Lake Maurepas and they're expected to have extensive flooding of at least 8 feet.

The Carnival Conquest is docking in Galveston tonight.

[Viking]

Just copied this from the NOAA:
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS REMAIN NEAR 175 MPH...WITH HIGHER GUSTS.
KATRINA REMAINS A POWERFUL CATEGORY FIVE HURRICANE ON THE
SAFFIR-SIMPSON SCALE. HURRICANE FORCE WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 75
MILES TO THE NORTHWEST OF THE CENTER...WHILE TROPICAL STORM FORCE
WINDS EXTEND OUTWARD UP TO 140 MILES TO THE NORTHWEST OF THE CENTER.

THE LATEST MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE REPORTED BY RECONNAISSANCE
AIRCRAFT WAS 906 MB...26.75 INCHES. UNOFFICIALLY... KATRINA IS NOW
THE FOURTH STRONGEST HURRICANE (BASED ON LOWEST PRESSURE) IN
ATLANTIC BASIN HISTORY.

[TXTink]

I will be up all night keeping up with this storm, good luck bengalbelle, I will be praying everyone stays safe.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I will see if I can find a BR live feed.

This station only mentioned BR when talking about contra flow.

baton rouge:

http://www.wafb.com/
cbs affilliate (cannot find live link---but they've got information)

http://www.nbc33tv.com/
nbc--there is a link for video coverage--click on it and then a part that says free coverage--I dont' think it is live video--but there are many video clps to look at.

[bengalbelle]

My DD is at LSU as well, I am trying to keep up with Baton Rouge too.
LSU is in the western-most part of East Baton Rouge Parish. That is probably one of the safest places to be if you're in Baton Rouge right now. Unless the storm moves back to the west, I think LSU will be fine. I would feel very safe if I were at LSU right now.

I'll update here in "real time" for as long as I can.

[CourtasanSatine]

Anything on LSU in terms of classes? Keeping the same guy posted via email

[peacefulgirl]

Every major company has a hurricane team. It is in their better interest to get back to work ASAP. However, for hubbies company--they evacuate and have an alternative location that they can get the whole corporation up and running from a distance.

I hope he stays safe--I also hope he won't lose his job :(.

better lose his job than his life... sounds like it's just paperwork and all .. WHO CARES!

[Shutterbug]

Just heard on TWC that there are tropical storm watches for Tennessee!!!!!

Wow!!!!!!

This thing is about 400 miles wide

[TXTink]

Anything on LSU in terms of classes? Keeping the same guy posted via email
Classes have been called off for Monday, they are still thinking about closing them for Tuesday but haven't decided yet. (as far as I know)

[TXTink]

LSU is in the western-most part of East Baton Rouge Parish. That is probably one of the safest places to be if you're in Baton Rouge right now. Unless the storm moves back to the west, I think LSU will be fine. I would feel very safe if I were at LSU right now.

I'll update here in "real time" for as long as I can.
You can always stay with my DD in her dorm! ;) I know I would feel better! :teeth:

[bengalbelle]

Anything on LSU in terms of classes? Keeping the same guy posted via email
Closed Monday for sure. They're going on a day by day basis after that.

Other links for BR:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/
That's our local paper which owns one of the TV stations. You'll see the link for WBRZ TV on the homepage.

LA Dept of Emergency Preparedness: http://www.loep.state.la.us/Default.htm

[CourtasanSatine]

Thanks and will pass the word on

[totalia]

He won't lose his job. This has happened before. You can't fire someone for making sure their own life is safe. Its not like he's in the army or anything. They can bloody well get another manager to stay.

I wish his company just set up shop elsewhere. That would solve at least some problems.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Ewwwww--another side affect of the hurricane and floods---fire ants!

YUCK!

[ladycollector]

Looks like we're staying. We're gonna hunker down and hope for the best! :earseek:

I'm praying for all of you in N.O and the cities around it. If Katrina continues on this path, it's gonna rain death and destruction all over New Orleans.

And now we wait.

[Talking Hands]

Praying for all of you in the path of Katrina. Pray that somehow this thing loses intesity and isn't as bad as predicted.

[floridafam]

I haven't had a chance to read the whole thread so I apologize.

I can't believe there are people who are actually going to ride this thing out.

We rode out Jeanne last year and I regret it. We weren't even in a direct path and I was scared to death. It sounded as if the world was coming to an end.

The electricity outages afterward were not pleasant. It was very creepy at night and I did not feel safe. We evacuated to WDW a day later.

Water and ice trucks were escorted through town under armed guard. People do stupid things when they have no power, no food and no money.

It was a very weird experience.

Get out! Nothing is as important as staying alive.

[totalia]

Why are you staying? Its a cat 5. Its just not safe.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Why are you staying? Its a cat 5. Its just not safe.


ladycollector lives in Florida (Destin) which is only under a TS warning. She won't get Cat 5 there.


Florida is where they are telling residents to go.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I haven't had a chance to read the whole thread so I apologize.

I can't believe there are people who are actually going to ride this thing out.

We rode out Jeanne last year and I regret it. We weren't even in a direct path and I was scared to death. It sounded as if the world was coming to an end.

The electricity outages afterward were not pleasant. It was very creepy at night and I did not feel safe. We evacuated to WDW a day later.

Water and ice trucks were escorted through town under armed guard. People do stupid things when they have no power, no food and no money.

It was a very weird experience.

Get out! Nothing is as important as staying alive.

if you are replying to lady collector--she is in Destin....Tropical Storm warning at most.

ETA--tail end of hurricane watch as well.

[TXTink]

I just got this off of The Advocate web site:

Jay Grymes of the state Office of Climatology said Katrina is a lot like 1969’s Hurricane Camille, which devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast – except Katrina is larger. Officials urged people who don’t have a reason to travel to stay off the streets from 7 p.m. this evening until the storm passes, which will likely be about sunset on Monday. Basically, the parish will be shut down Monday and Tuesday, said parish Chief Administrative Officer Walter Monsour during a meeting of emergency response officials Sunday morning. A dusk to dawn curfew has also been called for Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
Important Note:
The Louisiana State Police is highly recommending that residents of Louisiana in the path of the storm stay in a safe place for the duration of the storm from late Sunday night through Monday. As the situation improves, 2theadvocate.com will post re-openings of schools and businesses.

[floridafam]

No, I wasn't talking to her. I just glanced at the thread a little and it looked like some right in New Orleans were staying.

I just want everyone to be safe. I can't imagine what a Cat. 5 must be like. The devistation around here after Frances and Jeanne was awful. I can't even explain it. I'm sure you've seen a good share of damage yourself.

Stay safe, everyone.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

oh okay--one or two of the posters is an RN.


Not sure if we have anyone downtown--one in Kenner and her son has to work security along the river somewhere.

I'm just North of you in Brevard. We are on the island--we are mandatory and don't stick around.

[Miss Jasmine]

I cannot believe Sheppard Smith is broadcasting from Bourbon Street. He is asking people why they are staying. These people are staying because morons from the media feel they can ride it out. If they can ride it out, why can't "regular" people. Bleah. This is just making me sick.

Edited to add: It's about to the point that if you haven't evacuated it is too late.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I cannot believe Sheppard Smith is broadcasting from Bourbon Street. He is asking people why they are staying. These people are staying because morons from the media feel they can ride it out. If they can ride it out, why can't "regular" people. Bleah. This is just making me sick.


Whose he with?

Watching WWL and they have sent most of their reporters out of town to report elsewhere and come back after the storm.

[Miss Jasmine]

Whose he with?

Watching WWL and they have sent most of their reporters out of town to report elsewhere and come back after the storm.
Fox News. He is also staying in a hotel in the French Quarter, not planning on getting back out.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Fox News. He is also staying in a hotel in the French Quarter, not planning on getting back out.

I hope he got a room on the fourth floor.

Big dummy!

I hope the hotel charged them lots o' money :teeth: . Make some of the revenue back up.

[bengalbelle]

I cannot believe Sheppard Smith is broadcasting from Bourbon Street. He is asking people why they are staying. These people are staying because morons from the media feel they can ride it out. If they can ride it out, why can't "regular" people. Bleah. This is just making me sick.

Edited to add: It's about to the point that if you haven't evacuated it is too late.
I cannot IMAGINE what media they're watching. NONE of the media around here is suggesting anyone stay in or around NO. They are all explaining how dangerous and catastrophic this will be.

There are people on Grand Isle (right on the gulf) who are staying. The mayor told them fine, he has body bags. They are doing everything they can save physically removing these people from the island, but some will feel they can make it. Personally, I'll be surprised if much of anything is still standing in Grand Isle tomorrow night.

[cynsaun]

Fox News. He is also staying in a hotel in the French Quarter, not planning on getting back out.

That is absolutely insane.

[HayGan]

:grouphug: Hugs and prayers for everyone in the path of what looks to be an absolutely devistating hurricane.

Not that I want a hurricane to hit anywhere but I absolutely love NO and this is such a sad day. I really hope that people are getting to higher/safer ground.

God bless Louisiana and everyone else in the path of evil Katrina!

[MagicKingdom05]

Yep and it's only going to get worse. They are talking about cars now overheating and running out of gas and not knowing what those people are going to do since there pretty much stranded now.

[Luv2Roam]

He is also staying in a hotel in the French Quarter, not planning on getting back out.
Well, he might be right about that. (Not out alive anyway.)

I can't imagine being a stranded tourist. :faint:

[Virgo10]

Here ya go Free4Life11

Scroll a little bit down to see it

http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/iwszone?Sites=:laz069
......

This is the scariest thing I have ever read in regards to weather.

DEVASTATING DAMAGE EXPECTED

HURRICANE KATRINA
A MOST POWERFUL HURRICANE WITH UNPRECEDENTED
STRENGTH...RIVALING THE INTENSITY OF HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969.

MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS...PERHAPS LONGER. AT
LEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL
FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL...LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY
DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.

THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL.
PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD
FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED. CONCRETE
BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE...INCLUDING SOME
WALL AND ROOF FAILURE.

HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY...A
FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT.

AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD...AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH
AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY
VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATE
ADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS...PETS...AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE
WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK.

POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS...AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN
AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING
INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY
THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING...BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEW
CROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BE
KILLED.

AN INLAND HURRICANE WIND WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR
HURRICANE FORCE...OR FREQUENT GUSTS AT OR ABOVE HURRICANE FORCE...ARE
CERTAIN WITHIN THE NEXT 12 TO 24 HOURS.

ONCE TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ONSET...DO NOT VENTURE
OUTSIDE!

[madge]

Just heard on TWC that there are tropical storm watches for Tennessee!!!!!

Wow!!!!!!

This thing is about 400 miles wide

I am in central Kentucky, and this just came in from our NWS office

...HURRICANE KATRINA REMNANTS LIKELY TO AFFECT THE OHIO VALLEY...

POWERFUL HURRICANE KATRINA IS PROJECTED TO MAKE LANDFALL NEAR NEW
ORLEANS SOMETIME MONDAY...THEN LIFT NORTHWARD INTO THE TENNESSEE AND
OHIO VALLEYS AS A DECAYING TROPICAL STORM TUESDAY INTO WEDNESDAY.
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST FORECAST BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER...KATRINA MAY STILL BE AT MINIMAL TROPICAL STORM STATUS WHEN
THE CENTER OF CIRCULATION MOVES INTO KENTUCKY.

OF COURSE...THERE IS STILL A FAIR AMOUNT OF UNCERTAINTY REGARDING
THE EXACT PATH AND INTENSITY OF THE CYCLONE AFTER IT MAKES
LANDFALL...HOWEVER AT THIS POINT A PERIOD OF HEAVY RAIN SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS...STRONG GUSTY WINDS...AND POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER IS
ANTICIPATED.

[MagicKingdom05]

Virgo10,

You know it's going to be really really bad when NOAA of all places, puts out a storm bulletin like that. I have never seen them do that for any storm that I can think of. Sure the usually mention he wind and the rain and flooding, but the rest is new.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

They are showing the line at the superdome--wow..and each and every bag MUST be searched. They've asked people to limit what they bring. People have bags with I guess some hygeine items (bags not to big) and pillows and blankets. They have to bring their own food and such--but I see noone with any.

[phorsenuf]

Could you imagine this thing hitting and us not having the technology we have for advanced warning. Just incredible! My prayers with everyone!

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

Correct. They were told to bring enough food to last atleast a week, plus the search is common sense.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Virgo10,

You know it's going to be really really bad when NOAA of all places, puts out a storm bulletin like that. I have never seen them do that for any storm that I can think of. Sure the usually mention he wind and the rain and flooding, but the rest is new.


I had to double check it to see for myself that it was there. It was posted earlier in the thread, but when someone went to verify it--it had been removed and now it is back. Good that it isn't a hoax as it would be a terrible one--Bad that it is a liklihood :(.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa loves Pooh,

Correct. They were told to bring enough food to last atleast a week, plus the search is common sense.


I know--just forgot about that part....hard to bring stuff for a week..and then limit what you bring.

[cynsaun]

They are showing the line at the superdome--wow..and each and every bag MUST be searched. They've asked people to limit what they bring. People have bags with I guess some hygeine items (bags not to big) and pillows and blankets. They have to bring their own food and such--but I see noone with any.

Can you imagine how scary it could get when some people run out of food and water, and turn on another others that do have them?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Can you imagine how scary it could get when some people run out of food and water, and turn on another others that do have them?

There thankfully will be guards---but I'm sure there will be people of good will to help out.

Red Cross is providing supplies (not food though) for city staff to run the shelter--but they will be leaving....so there won't even be anyone for medical emergencies and counseling.

[MagicKingdom05]

cynsaun,

I was just thinking the same thing. There will be national guard people there, but some people will have a bunch of food because they came prepared and some will have very little and you know what that will lead to.

[cynsaun]

There thankfully will be guards---but I'm sure there will be people of good will to help out.

Red Cross is providing supplies (not food though) for city staff to run the shelter--but they will be leaving....so there won't even be anyone for medical emergencies and counseling.


I sure hope people will work together, not turn against one another. Hopefully there will be a lot of guards considering the unbelievable numbers of people that have to take shelter there.

I am honestly sick to my stomach watching all this. :guilty:

[WebmasterKathy]

I've never seen a NOAA warning that explicit and that grim.

The size and power of this thing is just unfathomable... our prayers are with our neighbors to the southeast. Stay safe. :guilty:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just saw a video clip in "central" wherever that is--a family--kids with back packs..parents with maybe one bag...if they are headed to the superdome--there is no way they have a week of food.

This whole superdome thing is going to be a disaster in itself. I hope they at least put portotoilets on the infield or something.

[totalia]

ladycollector lives in Florida (Destin) which is only under a TS warning. She won't get Cat 5 there.


Florida is where they are telling residents to go.
Ohhh. Ok, that makes sense lol.

[tarmand]

I feel bad for those with no other place to go, but I worry about the state of the Superdome as well. Last year, when they opened the Superdome to people for a hurricane, they destroyed the place. I guess Benson might get that new stadium he wanted after all of this.

We still haven't evacuated yet. We may head to central LA to my inlaws, but won't decide for another hour or so. Don't worry, we will not be taking any major roads to get there.

[Shutterbug]

Well from the 11am...it seems like most of the models are all in agreement about NO


http://www.skeetobiteweather.com/archive/model/AL122005mlts.gif

[floridafam]

This is so scary and I don't even live there.

I can't imagine being without power for more than a week. If anything like this hit us we would have to leave because we have a baby. How do people with babies keep bottles clean? How are they going to get food, etc. into the area after this thing hits.

I guess the only thing people can do is gather up important papers and get out.

I understand why nurses and doctors would have to stay. They told all pregnant women past 36 weeks to come to the hospital during Jeanne. That way, if they went into labor, they would already be at the hospital. There weren't that many of them here so the hospital wasn't overcrowded.

Can the local hospitals even sustain damage like what Katrina will bring?

I'm going to say a prayer for everyone. Even if you evacuate, the psychological stress is still pretty harsh.

Stay safe :grouphug:

[totalia]

Ok, now I'm scared.

[cynsaun]

I feel bad for those with no other place to go, but I worry about the state of the Superdome as well. Last year, when they opened the Superdome to people for a hurricane, they destroyed the place. I guess Benson might get that new stadium he wanted after all of this.

We still haven't evacuated yet. We may head to central LA to my inlaws, but won't decide for another hour or so. Don't worry, we will not be taking any major roads to get there.


Stay safe!

What happens inside the Superdome when it is used as an evactuation point? Are the people kept in the seating area? I would think that they can't stay in the middle of the field, or are they?

[madge]

Well from the 11am...it seems like most of the models are all in agreement about NO


http://www.skeetobiteweather.com/archive/model/AL122005mlts.gif

the 5pm update will be out very soon. it looks as if the storm is tracking just a shade west of the forecast track.

[floridafam]

Was the Superdome built to withstand a hurricane?

I'm not sure I would feel safe there.

I also saw a lot of people in line without food. I'm sure they had nowhere else to go.

I only hope they can get food to those people at some point.

[cynsaun]

Ok, is it just me, or does it seem extremely irresponsible for bars on Bourbon Street to still be open?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

floridafam--different families do different things. we nurse, so keeping bottles clean wouldn't have been an issue. I do know that if you could find a generator--if you had small children...FEMA reimbursed you for it. That is what my friend did and she was able to keep her fridge running.

the whole thing is preparing for the 'cane and getting your supplies.

That is what we did and we were without power about 1.5-2 weeks. We just "camped" on the porch.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Was the Superdome built to withstand a hurricane?

I'm not sure I would feel safe there.

I also saw a lot of people in line without food. I'm sure they had nowhere else to go.

I only hope they can get food to those people at some point.

They were told to not to expect to be fed. They are being provided a shelter so that on Tuesday morning they will be alive.

:(

[Free4Life11]

OMG, on Fox News, Sheppard Smith is interviewing people who are AT A BAR! He said to one guy, what are you doing and the guy said, "None of your f***ing business!" People are drinking and partying. One guy said he had no choice, his flight got cancelled. He is going to go back to his hotel. This is just insane.

No offense ot anyone New Orleans, but they said yesterday people were partying and totally lackadaisical (sp?) It's sad that it takes such a disaster to shake people out of their stupidity.

What in the HECK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE??

[Luv2Roam]

Not to say it is a GOOD idea. But maybe being buzzed or drunk is the only way they can handle the stress right now.

[MagicKingdom05]

cynsaun,

No its not just you. Shepard Smith is down there and can't believe all the people who are still down there who apparently would rather party then be safe.

[Free4Life11]

Another thought I had. I hope things stay calm at the Superdome! I can't imagine having tens of thousands of people in an arena...in the middle of the storm I would be scared! Imagine all the kids, crying. Oh I hope it doesn't turn into chaos in there...

[Lisa loves Pooh]

OMG, on Fox News, Sheppard Smith is interviewing people who are AT A BAR! He said to one guy, what are you doing and the guy said, "None of your f***ing business!" People are drinking and partying. One guy said he had no choice, his flight got cancelled. He is going to go back to his hotel. This is just insane.

No offense ot anyone New Orleans, but they said yesterday people were partying and totally lackadaisical (sp?) It's sad that it takes such a disaster to shake people out of their stupidity.

What in the HECK IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE??

Well in the defense of the bars--if there is no place for people to go--surely alchohol takes the edge off for some.

Don't know where the bar owners are going? But if I was stranded--I'd probably need a drink. And I'm NOT kidding!

[MagicKingdom05]

Good news it's down to 165 MPH sustained winds. I know not that much of a difference, but it's the best thing to happen with this storm all day.

[Luv2Roam]

Well, if you think you might come up missing or in a bag, you might as well enjoy yourself on the way out. :confused3
Not what I would do. But being there would have to be very nerve wracking. Everyone deals with stress different.

[wednesday]

Well I am watching FOX news because I wanted to catch my favorite news reporter Sheppard Smith before he may become a casualty of Katrina. He said the crowd of idiots on Bourbon street continues to grow. I guess all I can say about that is thinning of the herd. I can't for the life of me understand how people could want to go get drunk on Bourbon street when a huge hurricane is about to hit. :confused3

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

The bars are probably thinking, let make our money now, because in 24 hours this place will be underwater.

[Free4Life11]

Hey I'm not knocking the bar owners, but it just seems some people are so irresponsible and then they get mad at the city and whatnot...as far as no place to go, I heard a list of shelters, including the SuperDome, early this morning.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa loves Pooh,

The bars are probably thinking, let make our money now, because in 24 hours this place will be underwater.

Another good thought. I hope they pack the evenings receipts in their suitcase when they leave. Otherwise it won't mean squat!


Now is Pat O'Brians open?


And what do they do with the horses from the carriage rides? Anybody know?

[MagicKingdom05]

Free4Life11,

As far as the superdome goes earlier the mayor said that this was a last resort type of place because there is no way around it, the superdome will lose power at some point. He also mentioned without power it's going to get very very warm in there with probably 20 feet of water surrounding the superdome.