New Orleans told to flee Gustav

[Prophet 451]

Source: BBC News

The mayor of New Orleans has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the entire city, as Hurricane Gustav bears down on the US Gulf Coast.

Ray Nagin said residents of the city's West Bank should begin moving out at 0800 local time on Sunday, with the East Bank leaving at midday.

He called it "the storm of the century" and added: "You need to be scared".

Gustav, which is forecast to strengthen to a Category 5 storm over the Gulf, is currently passing over Cuba.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7590332.stm

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Here we go again... Anyone else get the feeling that New Orleans is going to end up abandoned?

[madrchsod]

1. new orleans will never be abandoned

it`s the lifeline of the entire middle of the country. losing new orleans would cause a major world wide economic disruption...

new orleans has faced storms like this ever since the people have settled there.

[tama]

4. Yup

And the Roman Empire will never collapse, Sun will never explode etc.

[Prophet 451]

5. And the sun would never set on the Empire

Everything is "never" until it happens.

[Mind_your_head]

2. Anyone who can leave with their own vehicles might be wise to leave

tonight or in the early early morning hours. It would probably make for easier travelling and lighten the burden for the rest of those trying to get out tomorrow in the daylight hours if those who could left tonight or in the VERY EARLY morning.

Are there any "share a ride" thingy's being set up - either officially or unofficially? To help get those w/o a vehicle to share a car ride with a fellow NOLA resident, just get them out of harms way at least and lessen the burden on the 'official' transit being offered?

There's an awful lot of people to move w/in a very short period of time. Got to be generous and creative!

Just some thoughts.....

My heart goes out to all of those who have to deal with this AGAIN! :hug: and stay safe!

[Prophet 451]

3. Good advice n/t

[Mind_your_head]

6. Thanks - I hope that some ~ more than just 'some' ~ people heed it

(especially the part about "sharing a ride")

There's a LOT of people to move. Don't drive out of town with any empty seats in your car if you can help it!

[brooklynite]

7. New Orleans evacuation ordered

Source: Times-Picayune

Mayor Ray Nagin late Saturday warned that Gustav is the "mother of all storms" and ordered a mandatory evacuation for the West Bank of New Orleans for 8 a.m. Sunday and noon for the East Bank.

"We want 100 percent evacuation," said Nagin. "It has the potential to impact every area of this metropolitan.

Katrina had a footprint of about 400 miles, he said. Gustav is about 900 miles and growing, Nagin said.

"This is worse than a Betsy, worse than a Katrina," Nagin said.

Read more: http://www.nola.com/hurricane/index.ssf/2008/08/new_orleans_evacuation_ordered.html

[ingac70]

8. More than twice as wide as Katrina?

:scared:

[lovuian]

17. Oh Wow this is huge

I was in New Orleans just recently they still had not fully recovered from Katrina

[jab105]

9. I hope that they are able to execute this evacuation seamlessly...

I've been watching this storm all week, and have had a sickening feeling about it...

Thoughts and prayers to everyone in New Orleans...
Weather Underground is a good site...another one is:

http://www.flhurricane.com

[brooklynite]

12. Heard on the radio that they've given up registering evacuees

They want to get people out of the danger zone and register them when they arrive at evacuation centers.

[stray cat]

10. It sounds like things are better prepared - but it looks like it could be a bad one

[Mojambo]

11. Damn it.

Can someone who actually believes in God tell 'em to lay off New Orleans already?

I hope the response is competent and people come through okay.

[mike_c]

13. is ICE going to be checking immigration status at the evac terminals...?

Or will they let people evacuate without harassing them?

[MaryEllen9399]

14. I wonder if there will be bars open on Bourbon St like during Katrina?

I'm sorry those people who stay to party are nuts!!!

[WriteDown]

16. You're right....

About 3 days before Katrina I saw a couple on the news that were in their 20's. Their supplies for the storm consisted of beer and potato chips. NUTS!

edited for spelling.

[matt007]

15. I was in Katrina

I'm in this one now.

Please for fucks sake dont rely on George or Bobby. Leave people. Think!