Gustav Street Blogging

Seen on St. Charles Ave.

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Back in New Orleans. It's good to be back.

Our Asinine Mayor

The headline on the local paper had the following quote from our mayor: "I don't think Gustav was the mother of all storms. More like the mother in law or ugly sister." Tim has more thoughts on that quote.

Nagin has also implanted his head up his ass on the reentry plan. Or should I say lack thereof. Surprised? Also, why reenter at midnight during a dusk to dawn curfew. That's strike three in the same press conference.

Fortunately, Head and Fielkow know that some people need to get in and do shit. Attention city council members: if you're next to Ray and his lips are moving, you're job is to smack him in the mouth and shut him up.

Gustav Predictions

Storm Surge Model from Weather Underground

NOTE- THIS IS SPECULATION. DON'T USE IT TO MAKE EVACUATION PLANS.

I've been surveying the storm surge models and tracks. From what I can tell, I think Orleans Parish proper will have no more than moderate damage. It looks like it's going to be far enough away from the city and it's weakened enough to keep the eastbank safe, although you never know how what will happen with the funner (GIWW/MR-GO). I think the westbank is in great danger. If I recall correctly, only 2 of the 3 floodgates on the Harvey Canal are complete. I'd also be really worried about all the small towns between the Atchafalaya and the Mississippi. Houma's going to take a big hit.


Possible damage to oil infrastructure from Gustav via The Oil Drum
This looks to be a doomsday track for the oil industry, but the platforms are stronger (some were improved after Katrina and the weakest ones were taken out by Rita) than people think and the storm has weakened slightly. That could greatly reduce damage. Pay attention to what happens with the LOOP and Fourchon (America's Oil Port).

When I was driving around New Orleans yesterday, I noticed plenty of National Guard from Louisiana (locals protecting locals!). They had plenty of brand new equipment. They were out in force and were deploying all over the city. I doubt there will be any looting this time around. Jindal is making McCain regret his Veep choice.

Stay safe and I hope we all come through this ok. We'll see how this all turns out.

Safe from Gustav

After initially wanting to ride out the storm, we decided to hit the road. We took late Saturday and dropped my car off on the northshore before heading up I-12 to I-55 to North Mississippi.

Some of the signs have been shut down before the wind even shows up

UPDATE- One big difference from Katrina- buses evacuating nursing home patients and others.

UPDATE- Lots of traffic.
We averaged 35 mph on I-55 until we got to Mississippi and then it picked up slowly.

Once we got north of Jackson, we were finally able to hit the speed limit. We to our destination in North Mississippi a little after midnight.

We decided to get all the way out of the storm. Candice and I are safe in North Mississippi. We're hanging out way in the country. Blogging might be a little slow, but I'll be busy typing things up and I'll dump them when I get to a connection. I can use Twitter with my phone, so you can follow me on that. Susie is enjoying the country:


Stay safe and see y'all back in New Orleans in a few days.