The latest advisory on Hurricane Katrina puts the storm about 250 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Katrina has intensified to a category 5 storm, with winds of 160 mph. Hurricane force winds (75 mph or higher) extend 85 miles from the center of the storm. The hurricane still has time to strengthen and pick up speed as it moves north through the Gulf. Storm surge near the eye is expected at 25+ feet, with large, battering waves.
Only three category 5 hurricanes have hit the United States since we began to keep records on these storms:
1. 1935 -- Unnamed Labor Day Hurricane -- killed 600 people and wiped out the Florida Keys.
2. 1969 -- Hurricane Camille -- killed 500 to 1500 people along the Gulf Coast; caused $1 billion in damage
3. 1992 -- Hurricane Andrew -- killed 43 people; damages ran to $31 billion.
If you live within the projected path of this hurricane, please don't make the mistake of thinking you can ride this one out. Evacuate now.
Shelter locations, mandatory evacuation notices and other necessary information for Louisiana residents can be found at The Courier.
The latest information on the storm can be found at The National Hurricane Center
Keep safe, everyone. You can replace a house and belongings. We can't replace you.
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I couldn't agree more! Please, get out while you can. The New Orleans area is vulnerable to even a low grade storm. I shudder to think what will happen tonight and tomorrow for those of you who live in and around the area. You are too valuable. Take your loved ones and key medications and paperwork and go. If you have a neighbor without transportation, take them with you.
ReplyDeleteAmen to these comments. Here in the Florida Keys I think we have it solid in our heads to prepare, prepare, prepare -- but there isn't any way to prepare for a storm as big as Katrina. Please, New Orleans, don't challenge this storm. GO.
ReplyDeleteMy brother lives in Pascagoula. I don't think he usually leaves, but I left a message on his voice mail that he's always welcome at my place. He's about a mile inland, but that may not be far enough. Keep all the residents of this area in your thoughts and prayers, please.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true. For the people staying at the Sports Arena my sister (in the Panhandle) recommends that you tether a boat and\or a buoy to the top of your car so you can find it when you get out. I am signing with my driving blog ID but My daily blog is at www.FerfeLaBat.com for hurricane updates from the Panhandle.
ReplyDeleteBe careful everyone, and safe.
ReplyDelete