A quick word from the horse's mouth. I heard from a buddy in the Louisiana State Police a few minutes ago. He says they've been briefed that this could be the "really, really big one" that science-fiction and horror stories talk about. If Katrina remains at its current strength and hits close to New Orleans, passing just to the east of the city (as it's currently predicted to do), it could put the entire city under 20 feet of water. Anyone remaining in the city, in their houses, is basically SOL and drowned. They're talking months, not weeks, to drain the water and pollution out of the city (all those chemical plants dumping their wastes into the Mississippi, you understand), and perhaps NO will never be the same again. For a start, goodbye, French Quarter!
Another big worry is that thousands of folks either can't or won't evacuate, despite the mandatory order. Of those, many will end up at the Superdome, which is allegedly built to withstand 200 mph winds, but many thousands more will insist on riding out the storm in their own homes and places of work. However, with 20 feet of water coming in and wave action on top of that, just how many normal buildings will remain standing?
Looks really, really bad from this end. I now have over 30 people supposed to be at my place by this evening, several of them with RV's and travel trailers. I've told them all to bring their own food, water and necessities, as I can't afford to provide for them all. If any THR members within 100 miles of NO haven't evacuated yet, get the heck out of there now!
Watch this space for more news if I get any.