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

[Free4Life11]

The storm surge in Biloxi is getting worse. The first floor of one hotel is supposedly flooded; highway 90 is under water??

[Free4Life11]

Hi guys - been checking this thread for updates as my kids only want to see cartoons.

I am sooo concerned about those people in the Superdome.

Yeah it doesn't sound good. I pray it doesn't get worse.

The images from Biloxi are insane. That guy needs to take cover...it's getting out of control.

[diznygirl]

There is mist swirling in the air in the Superdome. God help those people, they must be scared to death. Those poor kids...NBC is still reporting 9K people....what happened to the other 11K-21K people?!?


I found this online:

"It was almost 10:30 p.m. before the last person was searched and sent to the lowest level of seats. Superdome regional vice president Doug Thornton estimated 8,000 to 9,000 were in the building when the doors finally closed for the 11 p.m. curfew"

I guess the other number was an rough estimate before they got an accurate head count.

Looking for the pic of the holes in the Superdome online.

[Free4Life11]

Thanks for the update. I've been checking MSNBC but can't find the pic on their site. You're right the original numbers must have been estimates.

[C.Ann]

Massive piece of Superdome roof has peeled away.. CNN

[Free4Life11]

WDSU Blog, being updated very frequently:

http://www.wdsu.com/news/4908558/detail.html

[Free4Life11]

A building Harvery, LA has collapsed. It could be a hotel or apt. building; they believe 10 people are trapped, but they can't confirm it.

[MoniqueU]

There is a hotel collapse in Harvey LA, 10 people are thought trapped. The authorities can't get to them because of conditions on the roads. This is per Foxnews.

[Free4Life11]

Totally off topic -- but I have never heard the phrase "hunkered down" more than I have in the past 24 hours!

[Free4Life11]

There is a hotel collapse in Harvey LA, 10 people are thought trapped. The authorities can't get to them because of conditions on the roads. This is per Foxnews.

The sad thing is, it could be a LONG time before they can get to them...terrifying.

[MoniqueU]

The holes in the superdome are 2 6 feet long ones.

[wvjules]

from wwltv.com

A LEVEE BREACH OCCURRED ALONG THE INDUSTRIAL CANAL AT TENNESSE STREET. 3 TO 8 FEET OF WATER IS EXPECTED DUE TO THE BREACH...LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO ARABI AND 9TH WARD OF NEW ORLEANS.

[C.Ann]

People in Superdome are being moved into ballrooms - away from bleecher areas - in hopes that the entire roof doesn't go..

Structures are beginning to collapse in NO..

[Free4Life11]

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tennessee+Street,+New+Orleans,+LA&ll=29.969668,-90.021329&spn=0.017588,0.040525&hl=en

That is Tennessee Street in New Orleans, not sure if that is where the breach is. You can click on satelite to view a satelite image.

[Free4Life11]

MSNBC has the picture of the holes in the roof on the TV right now. Supposedly it is just a fabric that has torn??

[MoniqueU]

Some new orleans homes flooded to ceilings. Oh my

[wvjules]

When is the storm surge supposed to hit, or has it passed already?

[ducklite]

It will be another few hours before teh storm surge really hits with what I understand.

Anne

[snappy]

Some new orleans homes flooded to ceilings. Oh my

Where did you see this info? What parts of N.O. ? We have evacuees here, three different homes, one close to the lake.

[Free4Life11]

Did a little research...it looks like the strip of water that runs diagonal through the following map is the industrial canal. Tennessee St. is a few blocks from it.

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Tennessee+Street,+New+Orleans,+LA&ll=29.969668,-90.021329&spn=0.017588,0.040525&hl=en

According to WWLTV.com: "A LEVEE BREACH OCCURRED ALONG THE INDUSTRIAL CANAL AT TENNESSE STREET. 3 TO 8 FEET OF WATER IS EXPECTED DUE TO THE BREACH...LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO ARABI AND 9TH WARD OF NEW ORLEANS."

[snappy]

I think the nothern edge of the eyewall is still 20 miles south east of New Orleans.

[MoniqueU]

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050829/050829_inside_hmed_7a7.hmedium.jpg
Damage at the Superdome

[palmtreegirl]

Jim Cantore reported from GulfPort, MS that he was at 27 feet above sea level and that the parking lot has now flooded to where the cars are underwater because of storm surge.

[MoniqueU]

Where did you see this info? What parts of N.O. ? We have evacuees here, three different homes, one close to the lake.
Foxnews is reporting this. They are not saying what area of the city. I am listening to see though and will report as soon as I hear.

[Free4Life11]

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050829/050829_inside_hmed_7a7.hmedium.jpg
Damage at the Superdome

Thanks for the picture! Where in the world di you find it?

ETA - I found the story at MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9108975/

A major in the Superdome just reported that things are well. They have started serving breakfast and people appear to be doing well and remain calm. He said that the holes are not very big...

[C.Ann]

Storm has now reached NO..

Serious concerns regarding reptiles being washed into the city has been reiterated..

No info on where the homes are that are flooded to the ceilings..

Serious concerns that the Superdome will hold now.. The breeches will cause pressure problems (as in exploding from the inside out) - serious concerns about the items inside the Superdome eventually becoming "missles" which will cause serious/fatal injuries..

[snappy]

Praying for the people in the dome.

[skuttle]

Hi everyone! Just checking in. We haven't lost power yet, which I'm really surprised by because we keep hearing large limbs falling near us. We're getting some rain, but nothing bad...not even bad enough to have standing water. We are getting stronger wind gusts, but so far so good.

[MoniqueU]

Thanks for the picture! Where in the world di you find it?
Another website I am following at the same time.

[ducklite]

Hi everyone! Just checking in. We haven't lost power yet, which I'm really surprised by because we keep hearing large limbs falling near us. We're getting some rain, but nothing bad...not even bad enough to have standing water. We are getting stronger wind gusts, but so far so good.


Thanks for the report Be safe.

Anne

[Free4Life11]

10 people are trapped in an apartment complex in Jefferson Parish. Also, a woman with three children is trapped (??) in her attic and fearing for her life (?? - it's really hard to figure out the details; this is from someone on the phone talking to FOX News); she called 911, and got an operator in a different county, she is in Eastern New Orleans.

The radar appears to indicate that the eye is right next to NO.

[Free4Life11]

The WLLTV feeds are going haywire; the image is green and upside down. They are reporting on the levee breach -- cannot believe the cable news networks haven't picked up the story!!

ETA - If you are having a problem just reload; it fixes the image problems.

[snappy]

thanks for the info, our satellite feed is out so we can't watch FOX (good coverage there yesterday INHO), we have power so we are listening to local radio and watching local tv.

If you can continue to post from the national guys, I would appreciate it.

[2angelsinheaven]

I thought that the Superdome was a bad idea, I know it was a shelter of last resort, but why if all the years of planning they had did they wait so long. I just thought last night when they reported winds of up to 184 sustained that the place would turn into a death trap. I'm praying things get better and they all make it out ok.

[Free4Life11]

We'll keep you updated Snappy. Stay safe!

[stevenpensacola]

Another website I am following at the same time.
how about giving us the site...are you trying to "hoard" it for yourself...

[snappy]

WDSU.com reported at 8:46 am that the National guard spokesman at a news conference in Baton Rouge that the dome's damages are considered minor.

Minor or not, I am glad I am here not there.

[Free4Life11]

how about giving us the site...are you trying to "hoard" it for yourself...

Whoa, calm down. I found the link and posted it in my reply. The site is http://www.msnbc.com

Here is the link to the story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9108975/

[Free4Life11]

The MSNBC reported in Biloxi states that there is 7 to 8 feet of water on Highway 90.

[palmtreegirl]

Gary Tuchman is reporting from GulfPort, MS and they say it's taking a really bad hit. Parts of city 6 feet underwater, terrible winds. Rob Marciano reporting from Biloxi, MS is reporting from a Comfort Inn and said a women inside her hotel room had 1/2 her finger severed when the wind/suction from the hurricane slammed her hotel door shut on her finger.

[Free4Life11]

News stations are reporting that "hunkered/hunkering down" is the most over-used phrase of the past 24 hours....ok no ;), but a little humor never hurts.

[Free4Life11]

Gary Tuchman is reporting from GulfPort, MS and they say it's taking a really bad hit. Parts of city 6 feet underwater, terrible winds. Rob Marciano reporting from Biloxi, MS is reporting from a Comfort Inn and said a women inside her hotel room had 1/2 her finger severed when the wind/suction from the hurricane slammed her hotel door shut on her finger.

OMG! That is insane. :earseek:

[Free4Life11]

MSNBC reporter just went off camera; it's getting too dangerous in Biloxi. Trees were bending like toothpicks. In the background you can see debris flying and a roof that was about to rip off.

[Free4Life11]

The holes in the Superdome are supposedly NOT that serious, however, someone on the phone with MSNBC is saying that more and more holes are appearing. No idea as to how much water is in there now.

ABC appears to be pre-empting their coverage to show hurricane coverage. CBS, not surprisingly, is showing Live With Regis and Kelly.

[Free4Life11]

FOX is still reporting that "power out & homes flooded to ceilings in New Orleans."

[ducklite]

CBS, not surprisingly, is showing Live With Regis and Kelly.

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Anne

[Beth76]

ABC appears to be pre-empting their coverage to show hurricane coverage. CBS, not surprisingly, is showing Live With Regis and Kelly.
I have no problem with that. Not everyone wants to watch hurricane coverage. If they do, there are plenty of other places they can find it.

[Free4Life11]

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

Anne

My sentiments exactly. While ABC and NBC's morning shows were covering this disaster, "The Early Show" was discussing kitchen makeovers and eating disorders (not to knock eating disorders, but I'm sure the story could wait.)

Sheppard Smith is on the phone with Fox News right now...

[Free4Life11]

I have no problem with that. Not everyone wants to watch hurricane coverage. If they do, there are plenty of other places they can find it.

I know not everyone wants to watch it, it just seems strange that one of the three major networks would have such limited coverage on what could potentially be WORSE than 9/11, although we all hope it isn't.

[AmazingGrace]

We're here at keesler and we're safe. I've updated at http://www.caringbridge.org/tx/benji

[sodaseller]

Hi everyone! Just checking in. We haven't lost power yet, which I'm really surprised by because we keep hearing large limbs falling near us. We're getting some rain, but nothing bad...not even bad enough to have standing water. We are getting stronger wind gusts, but so far so good.
Our thoughts are with you

[sodaseller]

winds have slowed to 135mph.
Who would have ever though we would welcome 135mph winds are an improvement over the forecast? I feel so bad for those communities

[lovetheparks]

I know not everyone wants to watch it, it just seems strange that one of the three major networks would have such limited coverage on what could potentially be WORSE than 9/11, although we all hope it isn't.

I know last year when we were going through our Jeanne and Francis we were relieved to find something to take our mind off of it (as much as we could).

[MosMom]

I don't watch Fox news. They always come up with stuff you don't see anywhere else and then after the madness is over...those claims never come to fruition.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I thought that the Superdome was a bad idea, I know it was a shelter of last resort, but why if all the years of planning they had did they wait so long. I just thought last night when they reported winds of up to 184 sustained that the place would turn into a death trap. I'm praying things get better and they all make it out ok.

It isn't a deathtrap yet.

Let's try some optimism.

It is better than what they had left anyway.

[palmtreegirl]

I don't watch Fox news. They always come up with stuff you don't see anywhere else and then after the madness is over...those claims never come to fruition.

I know, it's like they want to do whatever they can to pump up the drama, as if the truth it's dramatic enough for them. :rolleyes:

[ducklite]

Just found out that my friends dad DID NOT evacuate. His Gram told his brother this morning that mom had arrived sans dad, who had stayed behind. Please pray for him. He's in the 100+ year old historical home (it's a NOLA landmark!) near the Garden District.

Anne :(

[Lisa loves Pooh]

From WWL

St. Bernard Parish spokesman Larry Ingargiola says the parish's two shelters at Chalmette High and St. Bernard High are suffering major damage. He said Chalmette High shelter is losing its roof, and St. Bernard High has plenty of broken windows and glass. He estimates 300-plus refugees at the two sites.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

New live link for WWL--it is intermittent.

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

[Shelby5514]

http://forums.catholic.com/images/smilies/prayer/praying.gif Praying for everyone affected by Katrina.

[va32h]

It is better than what they had left anyway.

You're so right. Apparently someone who decided to stay in his home has called for help - I know Fox News tends to dramatize, but they had the guy's name and a transcript of his call. He's heading for his roof with a hammer and an axe and is begging for someone to come and save him.

Which is why people were asked to come to the Super Dome in the first place, because they can't come and save them.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

He's heading for his roof with a hammer and an axe and is begging for someone to come and save him.

Which is why people were asked to come to the Super Dome in the first place, because they can't come and save them.

His will not be the only story like this.

They were told to take the ax if they chose to stay home---it just means they can be spared from drowning longer.



This just in---Fire alarms going off in Superdome.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

A reporter on ABC on the phone is saying where he is at, winds have died down (and they aren't in the eye) and that damage does not look catastrophic.

[va32h]

CNN says the worst of the storm has passed New Orleans. So now it's Misssissippi's turn...up to 6 feet of flooding in Gulfport and some boats have been swept into buildings.

[madge]

www.flhurricane.com must be getting slammed right now--I can't get the site to load

[SillyMe]

Adding my prayers for everyone.

[TXTink]

I just heard on FOX News that President Bush is considering opening up some of the emergency oil supply in response to the storm. I think he is going announce later today.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

NBC---Houma, LA has opened their flood gates to allow water back out. Wind is now flowing in the opposite direction (her words not mine) and is helping the water to recede.

[sodaseller]

A reporter on ABC on the phone is saying where he is at, winds have died down (and they aren't in the eye) and that damage does not look catastrophic.Seems to me that we have heard that before, only to discover far worse. Plus, the back end winds chnage direction and can sometimes cause additional water trouble. Let's hope the reporter is correct

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Seems to me that we have heard that before, only to discover far worse. Plus, the back end winds chnage direction and can sometimes cause additional water trouble. Let's hope the reporter is correct


key phrase "where he is at".

I'm sure when residents find their homes with water to the ceiling--they'll have a different opinion.

[Miss Jasmine]

www.flhurricane.com must be getting slammed right now--I can't get the site to load
Keep hitting refresh. You will get it to load.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Also having trouble with the MSNBC feed--the signal keeps breaking up. It is that channel 16 we keep referencing.

But conveniently "The live event will be back after the commercial break".

:rotfl2:

Let's not forget about the commercials ;)

[MosMom]

I'm waiting to hear from a friend if her sister, bil, and father evacuated or not. They weren't going to but I don't know if they changed their mind. Her father is extremely ill and has to be moved (he is not able to move himself) and they were having trouble getting help to move him so they had decided just to stay. I'm hoping they found help and got out. They are in the Kenner/Metarie area.

[LoraJ]

key phrase "where he is at".

I'm sure when residents find their homes with water to the ceiling--they'll have a different opinion.


No kidding.
I'm still waiting to hear back from my BF about what side of town his parents home is on. he seems to be avoiding coverage of this, probably too upsetting.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

WWL is having trouble with the feed due to high volume traffic on the website--they do have a low-speed audio link that will just play the audio in the video window (so I can hear it, but see black).

Never mind--I'm hearing MSNBC...I can't keep up!!!

[Tiggerlover91]

You're so right. Apparently someone who decided to stay in his home has called for help - I know Fox News tends to dramatize, but they had the guy's name and a transcript of his call. He's heading for his roof with a hammer and an axe and is begging for someone to come and save him.

Which is why people were asked to come to the Super Dome in the first place, because they can't come and save them.

See, these are the stories I do not understand! :mad: Why do people insist on taking a category storm 5 so lightly??!! :confused3 Who does he think is coming to get him.....and when????!!! Prayers for him and blessings to him, I hope he makes it. :(

[LoraJ]

UGH!
They were just talking on MSNBC about some idiot who booked 2 hotel rooms, didn't show up, asked to charge a noshow and not to release the rooms to others. How selfish can you be?

[Lisa loves Pooh]

UGH!
They were just talking on MSNBC about some idiot who booked 2 hotel rooms, didn't show up, asked to charge a noshow and not to release the rooms to others. How selfish can you be?

It would be worse if the hotel did not release the rooms.

I guess he wants to rooms for when he gets back.

But it doesn't work that way.

[Tiggerlover91]

UGH!
They were just talking on MSNBC about some idiot who booked 2 hotel rooms, didn't show up, asked to charge a noshow and not to release the rooms to others. How selfish can you be?

S'alright...what comes around goes around.

[ducklite]

UGH!
They were just talking on MSNBC about some idiot who booked 2 hotel rooms, didn't show up, asked to charge a noshow and not to release the rooms to others. How selfish can you be?

My guess is that he is someplace stuck, but has every intention of getting to and using those rooms as soon as possible. In all honesty, I can see his point. Once the hotel lets that room to someone, they can't kick that party out to accomodate the one who had a paid reservation and shows up wanting to use their rooms.

We had this happen to us last year--we were stuck in our house during Hurricane Frances, but once it was OK to leave, we wanted to be able to go to the hotel we had booked for a hot shower.

Anne

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My guess is that he is someplace stuck, but has every intention of getting to and using those rooms as soon as possible. In all honesty, I can see his point. Once the hotel lets that room to someone, they can't kick that party out to accomodate the one who had a paid reservation and shows up wanting to use their rooms.

Anne

I can see that--but the hotle probably won't have power/computers--so even if he had a reservation--big deal.

We booked a room in town for our return and our home was livable--so we went to the hotel to cancel. No Power/No computer--nice we had a reservation..nice we were cancelling...but if we were going to use it, nothing we could do b/c they were filled to the gills.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Latest news blips from WWL:

Homeland Security Chief Terry Ebbert estimates it may take a month to get power back to everyone in New Orleans.

Councilman Oliver Thomas said he had received 120 distress calls from people in the Ninth Ward trapped by the storm. He said crews can not get to these people until hurricane force winds cease, the guess for that time frame is about 2 p.m.

Karen Swensen reports that Charity Hospital lost its windows on the 4th floor and that patients are being huddled in the hallways.

Senator Walter Boasso of St. Bernard Parish says there is 12 feet of water in most of the parish, up to the second floor in many homes.

Reports of 3-4 feet of water in Lakeview.

[Shutterbug]

I heard this phone call on the weather channel and its now posted on their blog:

"We're going through some unbelievable conditions. Water is seeping into the building. I'd say we've had at least a 20-feet [of] storm surge. It has washed away all our rental cars, and everything else [in the parking lot]...

"Now water is seeping into the home and they are evacuating everyone to the second floor. I'm standing in 5 or 6 inches of water [on the second floor]. The power is out. There are a few emergency lights. It's a very daunting prospect right now....

"It's a very dangerous situation. I've been doing this for 15 years, and [I've] been Mr. Cantore's producer for many hurricanes, and I've never seen anything like this. This is probably the scariest situation we've ever been in -- just the sudden rise of water and how fast. They said we were good here for 27, 30 feet [of storm surge] -- they've never seen anything like it. They thought we were completely safe.

"We're not even shooting [video] anymore. We're basically in self-preservation [mode] right now. We're helping people put up boards and sandbags to keep the water from coming in. We've become part of the crew.

"In the time we've been talking, the water has risen, I'd say, another 3 inches. It's up to the top of my boots. The water keeps rising

[madge]

Keep hitting refresh. You will get it to load.

I think it might have been a DSL issue on my part--we haven't even started to see the rain in Kentucky from the storm....just regular summertime stuff yesterday. We are still forecast to have TS force winds and 4-6 inches of rain tomorrow. yuck.

At any rate, I can see www.flhurricane.com now.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

watching the msnbc story on the hyatt right now---it is missing a lot of windows

[palmtreegirl]

A reporter from CNN has reported looting in New Orleans.

[ducklite]

A reporter from CNN has reported looting in New Orleans.

Doesn't surprise me. I hope that homeowners who stayed behind and have looters try to enter their homes aim for "the sweets" (to use Captain Jack Sparrow's term).

Anne

[Tiggerlover91]

aim for "the sweets" (to use Captain Jack Sparrow's term).

Anne

:rotfl: :rotfl2:

[sodaseller]

A reporter from CNN has reported looting in New Orleans.
There must be a special place in hell for those that exploit misery

[totalia]

I'm getting reports of light rain and winds only 50 km/h (annoying winds but not dangerous). Looks like it already hit. I wonder how bad the damage is though. Glad it lowered to a cat 4 before it hit. Still dangerous but not nearly as bad as a cat 5.

[Miss Jasmine]

oh my gosh... I just got this off of the flhurricane.com site:
I just heard from my brother in Pascagoula. My hands are shaking so I don't know if I can write this.

The situation is very bad there and very bad along the entire coast.

He risked his life to go out to his patrol car to call me on the cell phone. While he was there the back window blew out. He turned the car around. We were only able to talk for a few minutes.

I tried to get as many details as I could from him and I'm trying to remember them all and type them in before I forget them.

He is at the sub station at St. Martin Jackson Cty right by I-10. The sub station is surrounded by water right now. The surge came quickly and water rose more than 10 feet in one hour.

He says it is rising there and they are going to try to get to another building. I asked him not to get trapped in the building by the water but to try for the roof and he said that wasn't possible, they are still getting sustained winds 100+mph and have been for some hours. He knows from the wind direction that the eye is over land becuse he said it went slowly around the compass and is from the SE right now.

OK they have an armored track vehicle. They have been going out for rescues like I had said. But they couldn't get to everyone; some people drowned in their home. They rescued 23 civilians and there are also 20 cops hunkered down at the sub station right now. Then the surge came very quickly and they barely got the ATV back to the sub station. He said cars were floating everywhere. He said that the wind has smashed the glass on all the cars. That you could not survive if you were out in the water right now, because of the high winds and everything blowing and smashing things.

This is the worst thing I have to tell you. about 500 people were in the St. Martin school and it collapsed. They couldn't get to them. Shelters everywhere in the Jackson Co area, problems. Everyone in Pascaoula that was in the court house, that is the emergency center, are up on the third floor now. He says everything south of Hwy 90 (basically 90% of Pascagoula) under 10 ft water. He knows this because his wife works for the dept as well and is there at what was the emergency management center.

They are going to try to load the people some at a time now into the ATV and try for this other building. I don't have high hopes for that. They are on a tiny strip of land that is just about the only land in the county that would not be under water now. It is the strip that they build I-10 along and is I think about a mile long.

The only thing I can hope for is that the big part of the surge is over and that the water will only rise incrementally.

He had to go. Things were hitting his car and I was afraid he would be hurt trying to call me.

I don't know if he is going to get through this. But he is ok. He really loves his job at the sheriff's dept and he is totally happy helping people so he will be ok even if they don't get through this. I did not hear any panic in his voice, only awe. My mind froze and I couldn't think of things to ask him.

I hope I remembered everything he said.

Please disaster master can you get hold of someone at MEMA and let them know everything I've told you.

--------------------


And then another post from the same poster:
I just realized he wouldn't have called me if he didn't know things were pretty bad. I just realized that they would never evac the sub station unless the water was still rising and they would drown in the building if they stayed there. But that means there is no other place that is not under water. He said they couldn't survive outside in the wind. I believe it because of the force of things that were flying through the air and hitting their car.

Oh I just realized something else he told me. My mind is only working in sections or something.

He said they are going to use the ATV to break down a wall. I think that is how they are going to get people out of the building. I guess they can't be safe running out the door.

So if they take the first load and find there is nowhere to take them, the water will keep rising and they will drown outside.

I know even if he doesn't survive it is ok with him because he is doing everything he is supposed to do. I just this is really hard.

[Shutterbug]

A reporter from CNN has reported looting in New Orleans.


Mississippi's gov. has instructed state patrol and military "to treat looters ruthlessly"

[totalia]

Gods, I'm glad I didn't keep reading this last night. I'd have been crying. I found out about 11 pm last night that a very lose friend of my fiance's (his room mater and best friend for 15 years) decided not to leave. Another friend was going to go try to get him but he wouldn't listen to my fiance when he said he was leaving. Are there any reported deaths directly caused by the hurricane?

I'm so glad that their apartment is on the second floor from what I've been hearing. The wind might have blown the roof off but its better than being completely flooded out.

The looting doesn't surprise me in the least unfortunately. People are so damned greedy.

[madge]

oh my gosh... I just got this off of the flhurricane.com site:


And then another post from the same poster:


I'm afraid that tomorrow is going to bring awful news out of Mississippi :(

[ducklite]

Mississippi's gov. has instructed state patrol and military "to treat looters ruthlessly"

Good for him! I hope those loser's consider themselves good and warned. Of course anyone as heartless as to loot is probably too stupid to understand that they are risking being dropped like a dog in the street.

Anne

[totalia]

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/maps/images/satrad/sat/Rgoes_USA_450T8.jpg

[Tiggerlover91]

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/maps/images/satrad/sat/Rgoes_USA_450T8.jpg


Whoa Totalia....that's amazing! :earseek:

[SillyMe]

oh my gosh... I just got this off of the flhurricane.com site:


And then another post from the same poster:
Oh my :worried:

[totalia]

:) Its from http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/maps/satrad.htm

Thats our weather network website.

[sodaseller]

oh my gosh... I just got this off of the flhurricane.com site:


And then another post from the same poster:
God bless

[MagicKingdom05]

It seems that NO really got lucky with this and the worse part of the storm went past and the worse case senerio didn't play out. Obviously the damage and the possible loss of life that was caused is still unknown and we really won't have an idea until the rescue crews and officals like that are able to get out and searce and see what happened.

[Allan]

My DS is a National Guard MP that was sent to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Sunday with an advance search and rescue team put in place prior to Katrina's landfall. We haven't heard from him since last night when they had to relocate to a safer area further from the beach. It looks like they were in the area hardest hit by the storm surge, Bay St. Louis, Waveland and Pass Christian. I hope all goes well for everyone affected.

[Free4Life11]

It seems that NO really got lucky with this and the worse part of the storm went past and the worse case senerio didn't play out. Obviously the damage and the possible loss of life that was caused is still unknown and we really won't have an idea until the rescue crews and officals like that are able to get out and searce and see what happened.

I think you are right. I mean it is still bad, but not as bad as it could have been. It seems like Mississippi and Alabama got hit pretty hard; the images and things I have heard from Biloxi and Mobile sound pretty bad,

[MagicKingdom05]

Free4Life11,

I can only imagine the damage that this storm has caused in New Orleans. Nobody knows for sure right now if the leveis held or if they were breech and if they were how much water is now in the city.

The scary thing is that we will see these really bad damages and know it could have been worse.

[minkydog]

I'm just sick reading this hurricane thread. :sad: I used to live in Pascagoula, MS about a mile inland. In fact, I lived there when Camille hit back in 1969. We didn't have near the damage that has been reported this time. I know very well the landmarks in this report and I'll tell you, there are a lot of people affected in that area. A whole lot of people. I'm just ill. Thanks for reporting though. I do appreciate it. Especially in light of the fact that we almost didn't get my mom to leave Mobile yesterday. Thankfully, she left before they closed I-10 over the Mobile Bay, headed east with my sister. I have no idea where they are. :(

Talked to my other sister in Meridian,MS, this a.m. They are expecting a hit this afternoon. The wind was whipping about pretty badly. They had a bad bout with Ivan too, so they aren't messing around with this one. She has moved her family to a safer shelter.

I'm just so sick. My 21yo nephew & his pregnant GF live in Gulfport and had no way of leaving. His parents are very poor and I doubt they could get out. We have not heard from them. Dear God, help these people! :sad:

[Geoff_M]

It seems that NO really got lucky with this and the worse part of the storm went past and the worse case senerio didn't play out. Obviously the damage and the possible loss of life that was caused is still unknown and we really won't have an idea until the rescue crews and officals like that are able to get out and searce and see what happened.Other than all of NO not being renamed "Atlantis", I think it's about as bad as feared. NO TV station WDSU just showed a number of photos and video of damage in the downtown area. The structural failure is incredible. Collapsed brick walls, crushed cars, high rise widows blown out with curtains flapping, etc. Their reporter in the St. Bernard Parish section of town has reported that he's trapped in an upper floor of the Parish's Emergency Operations Center due to 20 ft deep flood water from a levee that was topped by the storm surge. The EOC estimates the deep water is across the parish. They showed a still photo of the Super Dome, the top vinyl covering of the whole roof has been peeled like an onion. They also had on a longtime local weather expert who was there when Camille and Audrey (?) came through, and he said this was much worse than either of those storms.

The anchor said they are hearing "horrible" reports coming out of the Gulf Coast area.

[MagicKingdom05]

Geoff_M,

I agree. The damage is going to be unbelieveable and as bad as the experts we predicting. However, from what I have been hearing it doesn't look like the 30 feet waves and such happened. Obviously nobody will know until people can get out and start searching.

[va32h]

The unfortunate side effect of NO being comparatively "lucky" is that the next time a storm approaches, people will again say "oh the news is just exaggerating, it won't be so bad." and will be even less inclined to evacuate.

[Deb in IA]

They are also reporting that the "die-hards" truly did "die-hard" . . . :guilty:

[Geoff_M]

WDSU is now showing video of massive looting in NO.... The newcaster said said it's starting to looks like "Watts".

[MagicKingdom05]

va32h,

Yep, but that happens everytime a storm comes by and doesn't do exactly what it's suppose to.

[MagicKingdom05]

Well some good news, it's been reported on Foxnews and MSNBC that the leveis held, but it's the west banks that are overflowing.

Also Shepard Smith from Foxnews is at the french quarter and except for a few signs and things like that, it doesn't look like it got hit that bad, nor is it flooded.

[MagicKingdom05]

Deb in IA,

Are they taking about the people who were on bourbon street yesterday or the ones that stayed in there homes instead of leaving.

[Free4Life11]

WDSU.com just showed an amazing rescue. Some guy was in his car and either drove right into the water because it blends right into the road; luckily someone saw him and ran out and save him. Stay home, stay put, stay where you are, is what the police are saying. It's not worth it!

[MagicKingdom05]

I saw that and he said that the water blended in with everything else and it was a stupid thing for him to do. Well duh since the streets are under 10 feet of water of course everything is going to blend together.

[Deb in IA]

Deb in IA,

Are they taking about the people who were on bourbon street yesterday or the ones that stayed in there homes instead of leaving.


Here's where I read this . . .

Some who stayed put may not live to regret it
‘I'm expecting ... some people who are die-hards will die hard,’ official says
Dave Martin / AP

MSNBC staff and news service reports
Updated: 12:28 p.m. ET Aug. 29, 2005
NEW ORLEANS - Despite mandatory evacuation orders as Hurricane Katrina bore down on New Orleans, thousands of hurricane-hardened residents elected to stay put to try and ride out what experts warned would be a potentially devastating storm. For some, the decision was expected to be the wrong one.

“I’m expecting that some people who are die-hards will die hard,” Jefferson Parish council President Aaron Broussard told the Associated Press.

Officials of the parish, southwest of downtown New Orleans, told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that emergency units were unable to respond to 911 calls.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9117150/

[Geoff_M]

Well some good news, it's been reported on Foxnews and MSNBC that the leveis held, but it's the west banks that are overflowing.

Also Shepard Smith from Foxnews is at the french quarter and except for a few signs and things like that, it doesn't look like it got hit that bad, nor is it flooded.The flooding seems to be quite varied... WDSU reported a few minutes ago that their sources say "half" of the city is "underwater". The anchor added that the report was somewhat subjective and "underwater" was likely defined as "only roofs showing". However, the FQ is mostly "dry".

[Free4Life11]

Well WDSU.com just showed the award of the video for the stupidest reporter.

[MagicKingdom05]

Deb in IA,

I think this was a given. Those who decided to stay knew there was a chance of this happening and it looks like in some cases based on onconfirmed reports of buildings falling with people in them and such that some won't make it, which didn't have to happen.

[ducklite]

However, the FQ is mostly "dry".

What an ironic statement ;)

Anne

[MagicKingdom05]

Geoff_M,

Yep. Like we all knew this is going to take some time for the rescue teams and such to get on and take a look at the damage. If there is high water in spots doing such could take a while. We might not know for a week or so, what the damage really is.

[Shutterbug]

I havent heard anymore about Jim Cantore?
Last we heard he was standing in 4 inches of water even though he was already on the 2nd story of a retirement home.

[Miss Jasmine]

Here's the latest:
UPDATE FROM JIM CANTORE

Inside The Weather Channel

Since our earlier blog entry from producer Simon Temperton, who is with Jim Cantore in Gulfport, Miss., we have received several phone calls from both of them. They are safe, and floodwaters around the Armed Forces Retirement Home, where they are staying, have started to recede. Residents are staying on the 2nd through 5th floors in the building, out of harm's way. Jim estimates that storm surge may have reached an astounding 27 to 37 feet.

Here's what Jim reported at 1 p.m. ET:

"The water is down about 5 feet from where it was earlier. The parking lot is covered in water. Trees are stripped of their leaves. There is debris everywhere. There's roof damage we can see.... I can see our satellite truck and the vehicles that were with us, and they are now above water, at least part of them....

"For those of you who may have loved ones at the Armed Services Retirement Home, everyone is fine. Obviously everyone is shaken up, and there are some people who need medical attention. They have medicine, wheel chairs here... Right now, there's no air conditioning, which could be a problem for some of these people.

"Things are quieting down, but it's not a pretty sight out there."

[Free4Life11]

It seems there they avoided any deep flooding in New Orleans. I believe there was severe flooding in St. Bernard Parish, and also some flooding in East New Orleans. Power is out in the entire metro area of NO and they are saying it could be a month before it's all back online.

ETA - Looting is taking place and while I find it sickening....we have to remember that the majority of people who were left in NO were poor/homeless, etc...that doesn't make it right, but I do think it explains it somewhat.

[Planogirl]

It looks like the French Quarter handled this storm pretty well. I just wonder about the rest of the city.

And poor Mississippi! Has anyone heard anything about Mobile, Alabama?

[Geoff_M]

Well WDSU.com just showed the award of the video for the stupidest reporter.That guy, from another station in Miami, was a real "tool"! He reminded me of that TV reporter from the "Die Hard" films! I like it when he threw the piece of metal into the wind for this videographer! The WDSU broadcater quipped "Apparently the guy thinks there isn't enough debris flying around!!!"

They just reported that a spokesperson from the power company said it will likely be a month before the power is restored! The power is out in 100% of the metro area!

[arminnie]

I haven't heard any report from St. Charles avenue, but I don't think there was major flooding there.

No power and may not be for a month. Good thing the only thing in my freezer is a pound of butter. It will be messy but not as gross as spoiled meat. The only thing in the frig is some bottled water.

Tulane bussed students to Jackson, MS - that's a first. They used to just seal us up in the dorms.

[ducklite]

I haven't heard any report from St. Charles avenue, but I don't think there was major flooding there.


If you can get any info at all, my dear friends dad is holed up in his home--intersection of St. Charles and Lousiana--and I'd love to give him any news I can. He's a bit frantic right now.

Anne

[Free4Life11]

Are people able to make cell phone calls from NO and areas in Miss. and Ala.?

[minkydog]

I'm just ill. Thanks for reporting though. I do appreciate it. Especially in light of the fact that we almost didn't get my mom to leave Mobile yesterday. Thankfully, she left before they closed I-10 over the Mobile Bay, headed east with my sister. I have no idea where they are. :(

Talked to my other sister in Meridian,MS, this a.m. They are expecting a hit this afternoon. The wind was whipping about pretty badly. They had a bad bout with Ivan too, so they aren't messing around with this one. She has moved her family to a safer shelter.

I'm just so sick. My 21yo nephew & his pregnant GF live in Gulfport and had no way of leaving. His parents are very poor and I doubt they could get out. We have not heard from them. Dear God, help these people! :sad:

:earboy2: Just heard from Mom: Mobile is hit hard. She & my sister's family did not go to Fl as planned, but stayed in Fairhope,AL. They had to evacuate to the Middle school and they are doing okay.Just some trees down in the yard, and shingles need repair, but so far not too bad. Lots of wind. The 4yo found a harmonica. :earseek: Just what I'd need to calm my nerves in a hurricane shelter.

Sister in Meridian, MS just called--they are getting pounded. She & her family have also evacuated to a shelter that is at double capacity. She has been pressed into service for the Red Cross, since she is first aid & CPR certified. They have lost power, but a nearby restaurant owner went and cooked up everything they had and gave it to the shelter--how nice was that! Something just blew off the roof, so hope they will be safe.

My mom reported that 21yo nephew and pregnant GF evacuated last night to Greenville, MS. His mom planned to move to her brother's trailer there in Gulfport. :scared1: Have not heard from her.

[arminnie]

If you can get any info at all, my dear friends dad is holed up in his home--intersection of St. Charles and Lousiana--and I'd love to give him any news I can. He's a bit frantic right now.

Anne

Will post if I get any info - my condo is between Louisiana and Napoleon on St. Charles.

I don't have any idea of the wind damage there, but from what I've been able to piece together the flooding there is not awful.

[Shutterbug]

Also it was stated that 7 people stayed behind on Grand Isle and they are currently unaccounted for but I'm not sure how you can say that unless you actually had some one go out to the island see if they were still there.

[minkydog]

Are people able to make cell phone calls from NO and areas in Miss. and Ala.?

My sister was able to call me on her cell as long as she stood outside the shelter(Meridian, MS). My mom has been able to make a few calls from her cell in Fairhope,AL, but the land lines aren't working. They have electricity only sporadically so they aren't getting much information either

[ducklite]

My friend has not been able to reach his dad...he either gets all circuits are busy, or just nothing.

Anne

[ducklite]

Will post if I get any info - my condo is between Louisiana and Napoleon on St. Charles.

I don't have any idea of the wind damage there, but from what I've been able to piece together the flooding there is not awful.

THANK YOU!

Anne

[Geoff_M]

Are people able to make cell phone calls from NO and areas in Miss. and Ala.?Historically cell phones are likely to be an unreliable means of commications in natural disasters. Due to the fact that:
1) Cell towers are subject to damage too.
2) Cell sites often rely on conventional lines to connect to their networks.
3) Cell phone infrastructures in the US aren't designed to be a replacement for phone communications. Expect surviving cell systems to be brought to their knees due to the sheer number of people trying place calls.

[Tiggerlover91]

So it sounds to me as though MS and AL have taken the worst hits? Where are the locations again that were hit really bad, Mobile? Biloxi? I apologize if this has already been mentioned.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Also it was stated that 7 people stayed behind on Grand Isle and they are currently unaccounted for but I'm not sure how you can say that unless you actually had some one go out to the island see if they were still there.

unaccounted for simply means they haven't heard from them. Doesn't mean they are dead or injured--doesn't mean they are safe and alive. Someone thinks they are there based on probably their last communication with them. So until they are found on Grand Isle or in Miami....that is why they say they are unaccounted for.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm concerned with all the MS/AL reports. So much media coverage was dedicated on NOLA before the strike---and concentrating on getting that city evacuated....that I hope that those in MS/AL didn't think they were in the clear.

[Free4Life11]

So it sounds to me as though MS and AL have taken the worst hits? Where are the locations again that were hit really bad, Mobile? Biloxi? I apologize if this has already been mentioned.

From what I have heard and seen on the news, it appears Mobile and Biloxi got hit pretty hard.

[arminnie]

from the mayor:



WWLTV.com

Mayor Ray Nagin said that 200 people were stranded on rooftops in the Lower Ninth Ward and several “bodies are floating in the water” in the Bywater neighborhood and in Eastover.



Nagin made the announcement in his first press briefing after Hurricane Katrina slammed just east of the city, but did plenty of devastation to New Orleans.



Nagin said that the 200 stranded people included 20 police officers who were riding out the storm at their homes in preparation to take over shifts from other officers. He said that boats would be dispatched on rescue missions later in the afternoon.



Mayor Nagin issued a "boil water" recommendation for water in the city - except for Algiers and the CBD due to a water main line break that may have compromised the water.



Nagin said at least 20 buildings in the city had collapsed and that it might be 48 hours before residents would be allowed back to their homes to assess the damage.

Anne - this is nowhere near St. Chas & LA streets.

[jgmklmhem]

Just talked to my mom in Pensacola and other than a few trees down and a bunch of limbs they are ok. Power is out there as well. She said it got "bad" for a little bit but after Ivan she said this "bad" was nothing.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

arminnie--I was just going to post that.

I am shaking my head that 20 cops road it out at there house. Hello--go sleep in the station!

I just cannot believe that.

pics being shown on msnbc right now----crushed cars and such

[PixieDust32]

Hi guys!

We are under Tornado and flood alert in several metro Atlanta areas right now, from Katrina!!! This thing is huge and bad!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Roof of the superdome looks much worse than it did on the inside.

[Tiggerlover91]

Just talked to my mom in Pensacola and other than a few trees down and a bunch of limbs they are ok. Power is out there as well. She said it got "bad" for a little bit but after Ivan she said this "bad" was nothing.


I was concerned about that since P'Cola is only about 45 minutes away from Mobile. DH and I used to live in Gulf Breeze so I wonder how they're doing on that end. We're further inland now here in Crestview thank goodness. I've tried calling a couple of places in Gulf Breeze, Navarre and P'Cola and I just get a busy signal. Yet when I call to Niceville, I get a ringing. :confused3

[arminnie]

arminnie--I was just going to post that.

I am shaking my head that 20 cops road it out at there house. Hello--go sleep in the station!

I just cannot believe that.

pics being shown on msnbc right now----crushed cars and such

I looked to see if you had posted that before I did. I must have just been a couple of seconds ahead of you.

[ducklite]

Thanks Minnie. it's sounding better and better for him. My DH is driving to FL from NJ this weekend, and will buy him a genny up there and deliver it Sunday if he needs to (and a cooler of cold ones while he's at it LOL!)

Anne

[Miss Jasmine]

arminnie--I was just going to post that.

I am shaking my head that 20 cops road it out at there house. Hello--go sleep in the station!

I just cannot believe that.

pics being shown on msnbc right now----crushed cars and such
Ahhh you don't know the minds of police officers. ;) This I can totally believe.

[MagicKingdom05]

arminnie,

This is just going to be the start of reports like this. They are going to get much much worse before they get better.

[Tiggerlover91]

I just found this in the Shrevport Times online about the guy stuck on his roof with an ax and hammer:

“I’m not doing too good right now,” Chris Robinson said via cellphone from his home east of the city’s downtown. “The water’s rising pretty fast. I got a hammer and an ax and a crowbar, but I’m holding off on breaking through the roof until the last minute. Tell someone to come get me please. I want to live.”

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just saw footage of a car that was on a flooded road and ended up in a body of water. Luckily he was being filmed at the time (for his stupidity I imagine) and as it was evident that the car was off the road---a staffer ran and rescued him.

Video: http://www.wwltv.com/ (click on the rescue on tape link).

A man stayed in the FQ--part of his building demolished.

Crushed cars--lots of blown out windows.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The looting is horrible--pharmacy ransacked, atm smashed, grocery store completely ransacked.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Bayou Saint John at 4pm central...has started to suddenly rise.

[tekmom]

Looters should be shot on sight. It's almost a guarantee....people that can't get out, most likely stay and die, but you can guarantee the jerks who stay to loot...they'll be fine.

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

What's Bayou Saint John.

[Pete's Mom]

Hi guys!

We are under Tornado and flood alert in several metro Atlanta areas right now, from Katrina!!! This thing is huge and bad! Yup! I am trapped taking cover in my office in Buford until it passes! :eek:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Lisa loves Pooh,

What's Bayou Saint John.

:confused3

A producer is on WWL--her brother works at American Can Company--whatever that is....and BSJ is a body of water off of Lake Ponchetrain. At the corner of Orleans and some other street.

[MagicKingdom05]

Lisa loves Pooh,

Thanks.

[fanofmickey]

Five metro counties here (Atlanta) have had tornado WARNINGS in the last 45 minutes. It's gonna be a loooong night.

[tiggersmom2]

Five metro counties here (Atlanta) have had tornado WARNINGS in the last 45 minutes. It's gonna be a loooong night.


Yeah, it is really rough around my area of Ga......it will be a loooong and scary night. :guilty:

[Beauty]

Checking in from Greenville, MS. lots of people have evacuated here, all our hotel rooms and some churches are full.

It hasn't gotten really bad here. It's been raining pretty steady for the past 3 hours or so and we have gotten some pretty good wind gusts but power is okay thank goodness.

Stay safe everyone!

[Free4Life11]

Just so people know a, a tornado Watch means conditions are ripe for a tornado. A tornado WARNING means that either (a) a tornado has been sighted and confirmed or (b) the radar is indicating tornadic winds. Usually it is just (a), but this past summer we had a warning and the sirens went off all over the city (Lincoln, NE) because the radar was showing what appeared to be a tornado. They don't want to take any chances.

[arminnie]

Lisa loves Pooh,

What's Bayou Saint John.

If anyone is familiar with City Park (the Fairgrounds where Jazz Fest is held is there) Bayou St. John is a body of water that goes along side the east side of City Park.

My friend lives on Bayou St. John - in a condo. She is on the second floor, but managed to get to Dallas on Saturday. She is convinced that she will never see her car or condo again.

Anne - I've gotten more confirmation that Uptown did not have major flooding - wind damage yes but very little water. Your friend's father does not have water or electricity,but other than that he should be okay. Of course all of this information is about fifth hand by now but it's the best we seem to have now.

[arminnie]

:confused3

A producer is on WWL--her brother works at American Can Company--whatever that is....and BSJ is a body of water off of Lake Ponchetrain. At the corner of Orleans and some other street.

American Can is near Bayou St. John. I'm pretty sure that it has been converted into condos and that her brother lives there. I've seen it many times on my way to my friend's condo.

[Free4Life11]

arminnie - thanks for your information. It can be hard to picture.

Does anyone know if the WLLTV information on the levee breach near the Industrial Canal and Tennessee street was true? I believe it was reported a few hours ago on their website.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Reports that Gulfport, MS is a scene of "complete devestation".

[Tiggerlover91]

Reports that Gulfport, MS is a scene of "complete devestation".


:worried: :sad1:

[MagicKingdom05]

So while it looks like from various reports that the massive storm surge that was suppose to hit New Orleans never did, because of the slight turn it made it instead hit Gulfport, MS and surrounding areas.

[Free4Life11]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9063708/

At least two highways deaths in Alabama were blamed on the storm, and an untold number of others were feared dead in flooded neighborhoods.

Katrina recorded a storm surge of more than 20 feet in Mississippi, where windows of a major hospital were blown out, utility poles dangled in the wind, and billboards were ripped to shreds. In some areas, authorities pulled stranded homeowners from roofs or rescued them from attics. In Alabama, exploding transformers lit up the early morning sky as power outages spread.

“Let me tell you something folks. I’ve been out there. It’s complete devastation,” said Gulfport, Miss., Fire Chief Pat Sullivan, who ventured into the hurricane to check threatened areas.

[Free4Life11]

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2005/WEATHER/08/29/hurricane.katrina/top.1716.mobile.flooding.ap.jpg

From Mobile, AL.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

As Katrina dissipates---as far north as Kentucky will be seeing tropical storm winds---though she does get smaller as she progresses.

[Free4Life11]

There IS floooding in NO, just so people know. Although I assume not as severe as expected:

http://a.abcnews.com/images/Technology/ap_KATRINA_050829_02_ssh.jpg

I-10 sign near Downtown NO:

http://a.abcnews.com/images/Technology/ap_KATRINA_050829_03_ssv.jpg

Pensacola, FL:
http://a.abcnews.com/images/Technology/ap_KATRINA_050829_04_ssh.jpg

Flooded streets in Downtown, NO:
http://a.abcnews.com/images/Technology/ap_KATRINA_050829_05_ssv.jpg

[Free4Life11]

Here is the current radar:

http://image.weather.com/images/maps/tropical/map_spectrop07_ltst_6nh_enus_600x405.jpg

[MagicKingdom05]

Free4Life11,

I hope people don't think this is going to be a quick clean up, because it's going to be a few days to maybe a week or longer before they can get into some of those areas.

Even though we knew that a storm like this was comming, the pictures of the homes and streets completely underwater is shocking.

[Aurora63]

Anyone know how Biloxi fared? I keep hearing about NO and Mobile, but nothing about Biloxi.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Free4Life11,

I hope people don't think this is going to be a quick clean up, because it's going to be a few days to maybe a week or longer before they can get into some of those areas.

Even though we knew that a storm like this was comming, the pictures of the homes and streets completely underwater is shocking.

No--but when you have to evacuate...you do get cabin fever...and though we sit and say--hope they know and stay away....

It is natural to want to get back and save what you can as soon as you can.

We actually returned home---the island was closed when we got to town--but we headed to the bridge and it was reopened for residents with ID.

It's tough.

You can still start an insurance claim site unseen though--that's what they can do to have some "control" over the situation.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Anyone know how Biloxi fared? I keep hearing about NO and Mobile, but nothing about Biloxi.

Gulfport is devasted and in terms of this hurricane--Biloxi is next to it....

And just as you ask they are showing footage on tv--it didn't look like the street was flooded--but the roof wasn't doing too well. But again--only one image.

[Free4Life11]

Anyone know how Biloxi fared? I keep hearing about NO and Mobile, but nothing about Biloxi.

From what I saw on the video throughout the day, it looked pretty bad in Biloxi. I think they got hit very hard.

[jgmklmhem]

No--but when you have to evacuate...you do get cabin fever...and though we sit and say--hope they know and stay away....

It is natural to want to get back and save what you can as soon as you can.

We actually returned home---the island was closed when we got to town--but we headed to the bridge and it was reopened for residents with ID.

It's tough.

You can still start an insurance claim site unseen though--that's what they can do to have some "control" over the situation.

And with all the reports of looting I am sure it makes it even harder to stay away knowing you might have lost stuff due to damage but also due to thieves as well.

[jgmklmhem]

From what I saw on the video throughout the day, it looked pretty bad in Biloxi. I think they got hit very hard.

I had heard the Beau Rivage Hotel's first floor had been flooded on the radio.

[ducklite]

I"m trying to get info on Escatawpa, MS which is about a mile further inland from Pascagoula to share. Same friend who's dad is holed up in NOLA has good freinds who are from there. If I hear anything, I"ll share it, but my guess is it won't be terribly good news :(

Anne

[Free4Life11]

And with all the reports of looting I am sure it makes it even harder to stay away knowing you might have lost stuff due to damage but also due to thieves as well.

Good point. It makes me mad to know that people are taking advantage of the situation. However down on your luck you may be, stealing is stealing. And looting, if you ask me, is about as low as you can get.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Good point. It makes me mad to know that people are taking advantage of the situation. However down on your luck you may be, stealing is stealing. And looting, if you ask me, is about as low as you can get.


We aren't dealing with necessarily the most upstanding of citizens left behind. I'm sure that when it gets down to it--that my be why a handfull stayed behind.

[ducklite]

Good point. It makes me mad to know that people are taking advantage of the situation. However down on your luck you may be, stealing is stealing. And looting, if you ask me, is about as low as you can get.

I hope the National Guard shoot them. While I'm not normally one to advocate violence, in this case I think it's well warranted.

Anne

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I hope the National Guard shoot them. While I'm not normally one to advocate violence, in this case I think it's well warranted.

Anne


I think when it comes to looters---the rules of engagement become very relaxed rules.

[fanofmickey]

Our local news is reporting at least 30 houses and several chicken houses (not coops) completely destroyed, and as many as 90 houses with partial damage.

On the bright side, only one injury.

[debbiedoo]

Five metro counties here (Atlanta) have had tornado WARNINGS in the last 45 minutes. It's gonna be a loooong night.

I know the feeling---I am in not too far away from you--

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just saw Brian Williams video footage of the Superdome--that was a LOUD noise that the roof was making when it was breaching. Sounded like 100 University drumlines...he compared it to the NY subway.

Biloxi is pretty bad.

[debbiedoo]

http://www.weather.com/maps/news/atlstorm12/closeupsatellite_large_animated.html

current link to storm

[C.Ann]

It will probably take a good 24 to 48 hours before the full impact - and loss of life - is accurately reported.. Let's hope the fatalities are very, very low..:(

[Lisa loves Pooh]

NBC---right now...I think they are doing an update on the shrimp boat family who road out the storm with a 3yo....the way they teased it makes me think this is them...but not sure. Evidently NBC got lots of e-mail.


They checked on the family and they are FINE!!!

boat rocked 10 times and they said otherwise they didn't feel much.

They fear they have probably lost their home a 2nd time (lost a home in Hurricane Lily).

[Shutterbug]

Flood watches in effect for me here in Ohio from what will be left of Katrina

[palmtreegirl]

NBC---right now...I think they are doing an update on the shrimp boat family who road out the storm with a 3yo....the way they teased it makes me think this is them...but not sure. Evidently NBC got lots of e-mail.

They're fine.

[Free4Life11]

Wow! I was really worried about the shrimp boat family. I know a lot of us we're thinking they were crazy, but I read online that they had no other options!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I guess in some cases--being on a boat is pretty safe....I was just worried of the images where you see all the boats washed ashore.

[goin2disneyagain]

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.

He wasn't the only one. A lot of media, from lots of channels, were reporting live during the worst of it. They don't go by choice, it's there job. The news channels put their reporters in these positions. And don't forget they have crews with them. Luckily no one was hurt.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

He wasn't the only one. A lot of media, from lots of channels, were reporting live during the worst of it. They don't go by choice, it's there job. The news channels put their reporters in these positions. And don't forget they have crews with them. Luckily no one was hurt.

They are sent there--but they do make the call to stand out or not.

Thankfully there was a crew in one spot--b/c it saved someone who was foolishly driving around.

[va32h]

They don't go by choice, it's there job.

Oh I don't know about that. I mean, I know it's their job, but I don't think the network is forcing them to go. I don't see NBC firing Brian Williams if he refused to go out there. Many reporters were able to cover the storm from safer places; Lester Holt, Anderson Cooper - both stayed in Baton Rouge.

Reporters tend to be ambitious - they have to be or they won't get ahead. I think they want to be where the action is, so they can get a good, captivating, and exclusive story.

[totalia]

This is bad. Not as bad as it could have been but still very bad. I'm totally scared.

To all who live there or have family there, my thoughts are with you.

[Free4Life11]

Thankfully there was a crew in one spot--b/c it saved someone who was foolishly driving around.

Did they say why the guy was out in the first place? I don't remember. Where in the world did he think he was he going??

I saw a picture of a guy running through the rain to get to the Superdome. He tried to stick it out at his house....I know they closed the doors though so I don't know if he ever made it there.

[MagicKingdom05]

totalia,

I don't think bad is a strong enough word for this.

We all knew that this was going to be very bad and yet until you see the pictures and video you really don't believe it will be that bad. My jaw dropped when I saw the first pictures of I-10 underwater and homes with water over the top of them.

The scary thing is are we ever going to know the total death count, because nobody has a clue how many people did leave and how many people waited it out at home.

Even the officals who have been through his before have said they knew this storm was going to pack a punch, but what it did they even couldn't imagine it being this bad.

[LuvN~Travel]

Even Mobile has gotten it strong. My mom just called and said that one of my first cousins who was trying to sell his house down there (they just moved up here), now doesn't have much of a house. It was pretty much destroyed! I just hope they have good insurance which will rebuild it enough to sell now.
Kim

[totalia]

I think your right. I'm just trying very hard not to let my emotions run away with me. New Orleans may not be my home but I love the city and its people almost as much as if it were. I've spent so much time there over the last 4 years. Its just shocking and horrifying to see the damage done. And to hear the news reports.

Ok, I gotta go for a while. I feel like I'm going to cry because of how much this affects my fiance, his family, and me.

Makes me happier than ever that where I live, the river runs in a valley thats way way below the city. We don't really flood here.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Did they say why the guy was out in the first place? I don't remember. Where in the world was he going, Wal-Mart?

I saw a picture of a guy running through the rain to get to the Superdome. He tried to stick it out at his house....I know they closed the doors though so I don't know if he ever made it there.


he was running today---they had people outside guarding I am sure---once the worst was over. He lost the roof to his house. Since their was a photographer to capture him--I am sure that they must have opened a door.

I would guess that the guy in the car was just touring as people like to do when the cabin feaver is too much and they get bored and notice the weather improving.

This road--based on what the photographer was shooting----actually dips down to go under an overpass....and before that the road is under water---he assumed that the road was level. So not sure what he was expecting--since overpasses tend to run over a road and not on top of it.

[Shutterbug]

A FEMA director said they had sent some helicopters up to assess damage and they were instead rescuing people off roofs.

NO mayor stated there are floating bodies and Miss gov said he thinks they will find a lot of dead bodies.

[MagicKingdom05]

Shutterbug,

Thats not the first time I have heard a public offical today mention the floating bodies.

[Luv2Roam]

CNN is saying most of Gulfport MS is under water.
I just can't imagine.
I wonder how many people across the south will be homeless and their employers businesses are gone.

[MagicKingdom05]

Luv2Roam,

I don't think Gulfport MS was expected as bad of a hit as they took. All the talk was that this storm was going to hit NO and possible do some damage in Alabama and Mississippi. When this thing turned slightly, it went right towards Gulfport, MS and I don't think they were expecting it to do this.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Right MK05--that's why it is important to heed warnings....the property and land are devestated...but the governor's biggest concern is those who've died....everything else with time will recover.

[ilovepcot]

From post by MISS JASMINE at 1:09 p.m..........

This is the worst thing I have to tell you. about 500 people were in the St. Martin school and it collapsed. They couldn't get to them. Shelters everywhere in the Jackson Co area, problems. Everyone in Pascaoula that was in the court house, that is the emergency center, are up on the third floor now. He says everything south of Hwy 90 (basically 90% of Pascagoula) under 10 ft water. He knows this because his wife works for the dept as well and is there at what was the emergency management center.




*Is there any follow up to this? I can't seem to find the things you guys are finding on the news channels and I've been listening ALL DAY!* :sad1:

[MagicKingdom05]

I think one of the stations mentioned something about buildings falling and people being traped, but that was 4 or 5 hours ago. I remember them saying that at this point there was no way to get to anyone who is traped until the winds calm down.

[ktink]

I really have no words, I'm just in shock as to the damage and loss of lives that this storm has brought. :sad2: They are saying that it will hit our area hard overnight. I just continue to pray for everyone who is effected by this storm.

[Free4Life11]

From post by MISS JASMINE at 1:09 p.m..........

*Is there any follow up to this? I can't seem to find the things you guys are finding on the news channels and I've been listening ALL DAY!* :sad1:

Here is all I could find:

Pascagoula: The Jackson County Emergency Management Agency had to relocate to the courthouse after the roof came off their building downtown. . . The roof also came off the gym at St. Martin High School. . . Reports of flooding in the Chipley area.

From: http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/12506682.htm

ETA - The above link has a town-by-town description of what has happened in various towns throughout Southern Miss./Ala.

[Planogirl]

I wonder exactly where this is. All the caption said is that it was in downtown New Orleans.

http://ap.wwltv.com/photos/L/LADM10808291449-big.jpg
Horrible. :(

[Shutterbug]

Just saw a helicopter video feed on cnn and it looked like a whole city is under water I think its New Orleans.

[ilovepcot]

Thanks!!!

[MagicKingdom05]

OMG Foxnews is now showing the first overhead sky view video and everything is completely under water.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I wonder exactly where this is. All the caption said is that it was in downtown New Orleans.

http://ap.wwltv.com/photos/L/LADM10808291449-big.jpg
Horrible. :(


Wish I could remember......they mentioned so many streets. It think it is in the French Quarter area.

[Luv2Roam]

I imagine we won't know how many lives are really lost until people step forward and report missing loved ones. :sad1:

[Free4Life11]

Planogirl -- awful picture!! Hopefully no one was around when it happened!

What city is underwater? Any pictures? How bad is it...

[Luv2Roam]

A lot of NO. I saw the film too. (CNN) Heliocopters are just now going over and showing footage.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Don't you find it odd--I do believe the impact of the bricks turned on that trucks headlights. So whoever owns it will have a squashed truck--and a dead battery!

[Free4Life11]

http://www.foxnews.com/ -- the picture on the main page right now! Unbelievable... :earseek:

ETA - Picture from CNN.com:
http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2005/WEATHER/08/29/hurricane.katrina/top.1833.new.orleans.ap.jpg

[palmtreegirl]

They had looters caught on tape on MSNBC, just rolling shelves of stuff out the back door of a store. They did say they made some arrests.

[Free4Life11]

They had looters caught on tape on MSNBC, just rolling shelves of stuff out the back door of a store. They did say they made some arrests.

It just baffles my mind. Apparently some people have no morals?? They will find a way to justify these actions though...as I have said earlier, I have compassion for those in need, but NOTHING excuses looting. Stealing is bad enough, but looting after a storm is just disgraceful.

I hope the Natl. Guard and police and get it under control.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

http://www.foxnews.com/photo_essay/photoessay_566_images/katrina_wading_450.jpg
on rampart street in NOLA

[Free4Life11]

Had to add, these people on their roofs....sad but they had to learn the hard way! They said to evacuate or go to the last resort shelter. Lesson learned: when they say evacuate, EVACUATE!

ETA - Lisa, picture isn't showing up; I think the IMG tag on the end needs a bracket.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

http://www.foxnews.com/photo_essay/photoessay_566_images/katrina_redcross_450.jpg

Red cRoss truck at hotel off I-10 in Pascagoula, MS

[MagicKingdom05]

I don't think in my 32 years that I have seen anything like this storm wise.

[Free4Life11]

http://www.foxnews.com/photo_essay/photoessay_566_images/katrina_redcross_450.jpg

Red cRoss truck at hotel off I-10 in Pascagoula, MS

Wow! :earseek:

[palmtreegirl]

It just baffles my mind. Apparently some people have no morals?? They will find a way to justify these actions though...as I have said earlier, I have compassion for those in need, but NOTHING excuses looting. Stealing is bad enough, but looting after a storm is just disgraceful.

I hope the Natl. Guard and police and get it under control.

They said a popular item to steal was diapers! can you imagine putting stolen diapers on your baby?!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This picture strikes me as funny--it is of a street named "Water" Street...truck is in a parking lot next to water street in Mobile

http://www.foxnews.com/photo_essay/photoessay_566_images/katrina_truck_450.jpg

[C.Ann]

Ninth Ward in NO.. Over 200 people on roofs waiting to be rescued. Hundreds of homes in that area TOTALLY submerged..

[peacefulgirl]

I have no TV at work, but can see tv news video here

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,167633,00.html

[Free4Life11]

Ninth Ward in NO.. Over 200 people on roofs waiting to be rescued. Hundreds of homes in that area TOTALLY submerged..

Is it possible that a levee WAS breached? I have hard conflicting reports. I remember the WLLTV alert said levee breach by Industrial Canal and Tennessee St., may affect Ninth Ward!

[Lisa loves Pooh]

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2005/WEATHER/08/29/hurricane.katrina/top.2004.burning.pool.jpg

burning building in a flood in NOLA.

[Luv2Roam]

Hopefully we wil all soon learn the best way to help the poor survivors. Insurance helps. But I suspect many people did nothave much to start and may not have had insurance.
I am glad schools are in. I am sure kids from all over the U.S. will be starting programs.
This was a catastrophy as predicted.

[MagicKingdom05]

To show how large this storm was, one of the weather guys just said something about it being only 205 miles wide like it was no big thing. Remember it was 460 miles wide earlier.

[Free4Life11]

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2005/WEATHER/08/29/hurricane.katrina/top.2004.burning.pool.jpg

burning building in a flood in NOLA.

Very ironic.

Latest from WWLTV.com:
BLANCO: Search and rescue has begun with boats in Plaquemines, St. Bernard and N.O. East. BLANCO: Orders given to block re-entry to areas affected by Katrina.

All residents of Jefferson Parish are under a boil order.

Boil water order in effect for New Orleans, except for Algiers and the CBD, due to a water main break.

Entergy says 700,000 customers without power; Cleco says 70,000 have no power.

Entergy calls it worst disaster in company history.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Is it possible that a levee WAS breached? I have hard conflicting reports. I remember the WLLTV alert said levee breach by Industrial Canal and Tennessee St., may affect Ninth Ward!

The city floods in regular rains--so it could be just from failure of pumps--which failed very very early in the storm.

[palmtreegirl]

Is it possible that a levee WAS breached? I have hard conflicting reports. I remember the WLLTV alert said levee breach by Industrial Canal and Tennessee St., may affect Ninth Ward!

CNN reported that the levee there was breached & that I think it was 3 pumps failed.


Gov. of MS says he expects many deaths.

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just read on CNN that an oil rig broke loose and hit a bridge in Mobile.

An oil drilling platform broke away from its moorings and lodged under a bridge that carries U.S. Highway 98 over the Mobile River.

[MagicKingdom05]

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2005/WEATHER/08/29/hurricane.katrina/top.2004.burning.pool.jpg

burning building in a flood in NOLA.

:scared1: :scared1: :eek: :eek: :earseek: :earseek:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/050829/050829_katrina_hmed_4p.ss_h.jpg

Man looking at his living room in Gretna (NOLA area)

[Free4Life11]

http://ap.wwltv.com/photos/L/LADM13208292332-big.jpg

Looters... ::shakes head::

[Lisa loves Pooh]

can't copy pics--but go here and click on slide show--you will see another view of this mans apartment....

then a sad pic on #2---family abandoning their car. Baby carrier placed on top of car as they get out.

oops--the link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9121330/

[LoraJ]

I finally found out from BF where his parents home is. It is in Jefferson Parish. Anyone hear anything about that area?

[palmtreegirl]

MSNBC has video from the Superdome on now. The noise when the roof started to peel was so loud maybe they'll replay it later.

[Free4Life11]

http://ap.wwltv.com/photos/L/LAEG11408292251-big.jpg