Gustav is within 60 miles of landfall as I type. Reports from home are vastly encouraging. The water is just now splashing over the seawall of Lake Pontchartrain - about 100 yards or more from the levee. In past hurricanes, storm surge would have been inching its way up the levee DAYS ahead of landfall. In fact, it was about 6 feet from breeching the levee 2 days before Michael hit - and before the rain started. Since the Storm (read as Katrina) they have added a couple of feet to the levee as well, so I feel good about that. And the storm gates are still open - and I feel really good about that! I have never understood how the new storm gates work - and will have to get some one to explain it to me. If you close the gates to the storm surge (they're big mechanical gates in the canals) that means they are also closing off the water that is being pumped out of the city, so in my mind's eye, the water has no place to go but over the levees of the canals. Surely it can't actually work that way... hence the need to get an explanation.
The historic evacuation has left few people in New Orleans, and FEMA has learned their lesson. The really good news for Florida and Hannah, is that the teams are in place already for deployment to Florida, should they need them. The images of Canal Street and Al Roaker are such a difference from three years ago and it does my heart proud. We'll see what happens later today and tonight when Gustave blows through.
Off to my class now, with a much lighter heart.
Stay safe.
Hi Renee,
I had no idea what you were up to, but I have prayed for you for the past 3 days. Let's hope it's helped as things look a bit better than maybe expected. You are in my thoughts...always...
Danelle
Posted by: Danelle | September 01, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Glad you & your loved ones are safe. Take care!! :)
Posted by: Sandy | September 01, 2008 at 09:22 PM
So very glad to hear you are doing okay on the mental side of things. I have watched the news most of the day and I was glad to see that NOLA got spared somewhat. Hope all is well when you return home, and YES "be careful what you wish for".
Posted by: Trudie | September 02, 2008 at 05:16 AM
Renee
I have been thinking about you for a week. It looks like things are not as bad as they could have been. I'm glad that you are safe and hope all goes well.
Posted by: wendy | September 03, 2008 at 04:03 AM
Glad that you are all safe, been thinking of you and watching the news here in the UK. Take care.
Posted by: Bev | September 04, 2008 at 03:44 PM