I don't know about you, but this storm may well be the worst natural disaster to hit the USA - ever.

From CNN:
"Shelters have been set up at 10 sites, including the Superdome, for people who cannot leave the city for medical or other reasons, but Nagin said they should be used only as a "last resort." (See video from New Orleans, where not all are ready to leave)

He said people who must stay in the shelter should bring enough food, water and supplies to last several days."

"Nagin said the storm surge would likely topple the levy system that protects the city."

There's almost nowhere in New Orleans that won't be underwater - this is a city of about 440 thousand people. I can't think of anything that compares.

This is NOT a shelter-in-place situation.

Let's hope for the best. Many hurricanes slow down significantly before hitting the coast.

The storm surge will be bad enough, but lets hope that it passes through quickly so that it doesn't have enough time to drop all of the expected rainfall. A slow moving storm can drop an amazing amount of rain in a short period of time. Like Tropical Storm Allison did in Houston - twice in one weekend!

Having lived near there, Biloxi MS I saw what Camille did to that area. Luckily I had moved west by then. New Orleans is always in a perilous state, being below the level of the sea and the Mississippi River.
I hope everyone gets out safely and that the storm loses some strength. All we can do is wait and see and be prepared to help folks in some way. Best wishes to all in the effected areas!

Martin you are absolutely on the mark about your prediction. I was just telling my young son today, as we watched weather coverage, that this was history in the making. Being a Camille survivor (Biloxi, MS., 1969), was a strong determining factor in my career choice in Public Safety (Fire and Safety). Loss of life was 250 plus and property damage was immeasureable. People were just not prepared and were even having "Hurricane Parties" throughout the night.

I hope and pray for all the wonderful people in that area because they are literally "ONE DAY CLOSER"!!

Preparation time is about over and either they have prepared by evacuating or hopefully prepared to experience mother nature's wrath.

The Best To All Of Them!!!


ONE DAY CLOSER