Hurricane Gustav TV Image
Friends:
Overnight, Hurricane Gustav strengthened to a Category 3 then while I was watching this forecast, it was upgraded to a Category 4. We are definitely evacuating tonight, driving when it’s cooler and when there is less traffic. We are finishing with our packing and monitoring the hurricane’s path. We are still unsure whether to head east or west. Overnight, the hurricane took a slight jog to the east, changing its path just slightly but still keeping us in grave danger. It is predicted to strengthen to a Category 5.
Mayor Ray Nagin has asked citizens of New Orleans to voluntarily evacuate. Tomorrow, a mandatory evacuation order will likely be issued.
This is a picture of my neighborhood as it looks today.
Hurricane Gustav Before Picture of Neighborhood
Most people are packing and preparing to leave. I did talk to a neighbor and his son, who said that they were staying. When I asked him if he had an axe (to break through the roof in the event of flooding), he said, “No.” And his house is a one-story home. I am bewildered about his decision. After everything that happened with Hurricane Katrina, you would think that people would take extra precautions and evacuate. I hope my neighbor changes his mind.
As I watch the weather forecast, I learned that the storm has not only intensified but it has huge feeder bans. It is growing in strength as well as size. If the storm continues on its projected path, it is predicted that our area (the West Bank) will see water and flooding like we have never seen before. Most of the computer models have the hurricane coming straight for the South East Louisiana coastline. We are definitely taking this seriously. Our favorite meteorologist, Bob Breck, says that everyone should leave by tomorrow morning. He said, “I am really frightened about the West Bank.”
We live very close to the Harvey Industrial Canal which, according to parish officials, can only handle a Category 1 hurricane. Storm surge and heavy rains will be of great concern. If you are interested in checking out our local news, tune in to WWL Channel 4 on the web (http://www.wwltv.com). WWL kept us informed during Katrina, much better than the national news.
Our oldest daughter, Soleil (18), is in Texas visiting her boyfriend. She tried to change her flight on Southwest and they have her flying in at 7pm tomorrow night into the New Orleans airport. By then, we will have evacuated. I can’t believe that Southwest would allow people to fly in when city, parish and state officials are asking people to leave. We told Soleil to stay in touch with us. We’ll have her cancel her flight if need be. We will keep her out of harm’s way.
Even if the storm misses us (hopefully), there will be widespread power outages and no access to resources such as food and water. All the Wal-Marts have closed already! Now that should tell you something…
I will continue to keep you updated via this blog and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/storyconnection). I can blog by email and twitter by text from my cell phone (as long as it works).
Again, thank you for all your emails and well-wishes. I appreciate your keeping our family in your prayers.
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
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