Louisiana Governor declares emergency ahead of Gustav

***Jolie77*** · 08-27-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Tropical Storm Gustav's impending arrival in the Gulf of Mexico, potentially as a major hurricane, has prompted Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal to declare an emergency for the state and request federal disaster assistance ahead of the storm. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 29, 2005, causing massive flooding.

"We are going to hope for the best, but we're preparing for the worst," Jindal said Wednesday.

Jindal cited forecasts that Gustav, which killed 22 people in Haiti and the Dominican Republic this week, could become a Category 3 hurricane in the coming days and make landfall by late Monday morning.

Predicting hurricane paths is difficult, and forecasters warn that Gustav's destination cannot be pinpointed. Computer models show that the storm's most likely path is toward New Orleans, but the forecast projection also shows that by Saturday, it could be anywhere from Key West, Florida, to the eastern end of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. See a map of Gustav's projected path »

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Gustav's center was about 90 miles southeast of Guantanamo, Cuba, according to the National Hurricane Center. It was creeping west-northwest at almost 3 mph and was expected to continue in that general direction as it picks up speed over the next day.

Despite the uncertainty, people in New Orleans and beyond were scrambling Wednesday to prepare. About 3,000 National Guard members will be deployed to vulnerable areas in Louisiana on Thursday to assist with securing shelters and preparing for possible evacuations, Jindal said. Another 2,000 are on standby.

Gustav's movement toward the Gulf of Mexico comes about three years after Hurricane Katrina formed and headed toward New Orleans.

Hurricane Katrina killed more than 1,800 people when it struck August 29, 2005. Towns along the Mississippi Gulf Coast were flattened, and parts of New Orleans flooded when the city's levee system failed.

Alluding to Katrina's disastrous aftermath, Jindal said Louisiana is "better prepared than before" and has hundreds of buses and thousands of shelter beds lined up in preparation for another storm.

He urged residents to fill up their cars, stockpile three days' worth of food and water, and refill prescriptions in case evacuations become necessary.

The state has requested a "pre-landfall" declaration from President Bush, asking the federal government to release personnel, ambulances and other assistance to prepare for the storm.

Still, Jindal stressed that "our people also have personal responsibility" to prepare for the storm.

Officials stressed how uncertain the projections were so many days in advance but urged residents to be ready for the worst.

"Everybody should be looking at their plans, just like we're looking at our plans, and get ready," said Jerry Sneed, director of New Orleans' Office of Emergency Preparedness. "If they don't have a plan, you still have time. If you wait until the storm's on top of you, that's when panic's going to set in and you don't think wisely."

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin will order a mandatory evacuation if a hurricane of a Category 3 intensity or higher approaches the city, Sneed said. However, an evacuation could be ordered for a less intense hurricane if it were particularly slow-moving and carried greater flooding potential, he said.

New Orleans estimates that 30,000 residents would need help evacuating, Sneed said. He said that only 7,000 people have signed up to get that help.

Sneed said buses and trains were ready to take evacuees to shelters in Shreveport, Alexandria and Monroe, Louisiana, and in Jackson, Mississippi.

The city's pumping capacity is back to pre-Katrina levels, Brenda Thornton, a spokeswoman for the city's Sewage and Water Board, said Wednesday. The pumps can handle 1 inch of rain in the first hour, she said, and a half-inch every hour thereafter.

New Orleans has the largest pumps in the nation, Thornton said, capable of moving 10,000 cubic feet of water per second.

However, Nagin's office said the picture is not as rosy as it might seem.

"Although we have made strides in rebuilding our infrastructure, the levees have not been fully repaired, and we have an $800 million budget gap to complete our sewage and water systems," the mayor said in a statement.

The city has been lobbying the federal government for revitalization funding for three years, Nagin's office said, and has received less than half of Federal Emergency Management Agency funding needed to repair or rebuild public facilities. In May, the city was notified that it would receive a community development block grant from the federal government.

Sneed said he is in touch with the Army Corps of Engineers, which is rebuilding the city's levees, as well as the Sewage and Water Board. "Everything is working as it should," he said. "The citizens should not be worried about the flooding again."

The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced that it was closing its shelter to the public Wednesday afternoon to begin evacuating animals.

"We definitely don't want to wait until Saturday or Sunday to decide what to do," Ana Zorrilla, director of the group, said in a statement.

The SPCA urged pet owners to think about how to evacuate pets as they made their plans.

Jeff Carcich, a resident of a neighborhood hit hard by flooding from Katrina, told The Times-Picayune newspaper on Tuesday that he was not too worried about Gustav.

"I have faith in the parts of the levees that were rebuilt," he said.
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Jindal is scheduled to speak next week at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, but he said Tuesday that he'll change his plans if the storm warrants it.

"As long as there's a chance that we'll be in this storm's path, I'll be here in Louisiana," he said. "I'm going to make sure I'm here personally to help lead the preparation efforts and, if necessary, any recovery efforts that are necessary after the fact."

Louisiana governor declares emergency ahead of Gustav - CNN.com

It sounds like Hurricane Gustav could be as bad as it is since the projected path is heading towards New Orleans. As we all know what happened 3 years ago with Hurricane Katrina, It seems as if Louisiana is trying to take that in caution not to repeat the same mistake and to prepare ahead of time. In time we'll see what happens.

jillio · 08-27-2008, 08:42 PM

Just saw the damage Gustav did in Haiti on the news. Horrible!

CrzyMeg · 08-27-2008, 08:57 PM

Or can be toward to Pensacola where I am at.

BradB08 · 08-27-2008, 09:22 PM

Hopefully no one will get hurt and damage will be minimal.

I would hate to see a repeat of Hurricane Katrina. I do not fault Louisiana for stepping up precautionary measures.

web730 · 08-27-2008, 09:45 PM

It might be little early to declare emergency but especially after what they experienced from the powerful Katrina so we couldn't blame them for that... so understandable.

Gustav could change its path so who really know till it gets real close enough to forecast better ahead.

Yeah, I believe that Gustav is much more powerful than Fay's so I hope it stays away from our area. ha lol

Byrdie714 · 08-28-2008, 10:30 AM

How ironic that Gustav will be hitting the U.S. especially during the Republican National convention?

Maybe it's a reminder of this administration mishaps of handling national emergencies.

I hope that Gustav doesn't hit Louisiana.

web730 · 08-28-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

How ironic that Gustav will be hitting the U.S. especially during the Republican National convention?

Yep, what a coincidence!

News just announced that the RNC might postpone if Gustav is on its way to the USA, however. RNC will be held in Minneapolis, right?

BradB08 · 08-28-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

How ironic that Gustav will be hitting the U.S. especially during the Republican National convention?

Payback for Katrina.

jillio · 08-28-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

How ironic that Gustav will be hitting the U.S. especially during the Republican National convention?

Maybe it's a reminder of this administration mishaps of handling national emergencies.

I hope that Gustav doesn't hit Louisiana.

Or Darwinism in action.

Oceanbreeze · 08-28-2008, 02:10 PM

Gustov WILL be stronger than Fay, and thankfully, won't be paying us a visit. BUT, I'm concerned for those that live along the gulf coast.

Stay safe, everyone!

And, yes it IS ironic, but like it's been said... maybe people will pay attention now?

IslandGal · 08-28-2008, 05:22 PM

I am very concerned for the Cayman Islands which is in the projected path

I am praying that they will not get hit hard like Ivan did to them in 2004.

IslandGal · 08-28-2008, 05:24 PM

And my sister and her family are in Jamaica right now with Gustav churning over them at this moment

CrzyMeg · 08-28-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandGal

I am very concerned for the Cayman Islands which is in the projected path

I am praying that they will not get hit hard like Ivan did to them in 2004.

Same here. Horrible storm

Byrdie714 · 08-28-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

Or Darwinism in action.

You're BAD!

moonflower · 08-28-2008, 07:16 PM

i hope new orleans will be ok as everyone get out of there much better than before when katrina hit 3 years ago
i am nervous cuz my sister in law's family are living in Louisiana

jazzy · 08-28-2008, 10:53 PM

Not great news for Americans, oil price may rise up again. sigh.

jillio · 08-28-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Byrdie714

You're BAD!

Sorry...it was just too easy!

dead money · 08-29-2008, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

Not great news for Americans, oil price may rise up again. sigh.

yeah no kidding

wipe out cancun for all i care, leave gas @ 3.30 a gallon please! *smirk*

Oceanbreeze · 08-29-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oceanbreeze

Gustov WILL be stronger than Fay, and thankfully, won't be paying us a visit. BUT, I'm concerned for those that live along the gulf coast.

Stay safe, everyone!

And, yes it IS ironic, but like it's been said... maybe people will pay attention now?

Well, it looks like Gustov could be more of a pain in the ass for us. It's forecasted to move a bit more to the North after it leaves Cuba, so they've put us under a Tropical Storm watch. **sigh**

***VamPyroX*** · 08-29-2008, 05:43 PM

Could it be Katrina's son?

CrzyMeg · 08-29-2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

Could it be Katrina's son?

I doubt it.

do hurricane have kids? i dont think so.

deafskeptic · 08-29-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradB08

Hopefully no one will get hurt and damage will be minimal.

I would hate to see a repeat of Hurricane Katrina. I do not fault Louisiana for stepping up precautionary measures.

Indeed. It's good to see this time they're getting prepared for the worst though. Let us hope the Feds will be more responsive if it becomes as bad as Katrina this time around.

BradB08 · 08-29-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy

Not great news for Americans, oil price may rise up again. sigh.

I'm more concerned about human lives in that area than the cost of gas.

I wish others were too.

IslandGal · 08-29-2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradB08

I'm more concerned about human lives in that area than the cost of gas.

I wish others were too.

I am with you on this. Some people just don't care about what a hurricane will do to a country and people. That is really sad

I just heard that my sister and her family are stuck in Jamaica after Gustav left his mess behind. They cannot get to an airport to fly out. Right now my family in the Cayman Islands are being met by Gustav. I am worried about them

***Jolie77*** · 08-29-2008, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandGal

I just heard that my sister and her family are stuck in Jamaica after Gustav left his mess behind. They cannot get to an airport to fly out. Right now my family in the Cayman Islands are being met by Gustav. I am worried about them

Yikes, I hope your sister and her family will make it through safely.

It also doesn't look good for Louisiana since the projected path shows that the hurricane is heading towards them. I hope everyone in that vicinity will be as safe as possible.

HorseRace · 08-30-2008, 05:29 PM

yea now they are on the way to la area.. but still not sure where it would be hit..

so far it CAT 4 ! it strong as dangerous storm! so right now they just announce that everyone need to leave! i just saw on news now.. about 4pm today..

all my family is still in la.. Baton Rouge.. my sister and my bro made to Baton Rouge from new orleans.. they are staying with my dad house.. while my mom is still at her home in Baton Rouge.. i am at ausin tx.. i called them they are ok now.. just watch on news..

if the Eye of Storm hits Baton Rouge, then all my family will leave out to the states.. but if the Eye of storm hits other place such as Lake Charles, or Laf or other small town that pass Laf.. not east side.. just west.. then my family will stay in Baton Rouge.. as safe but watch for flood and tree down.. that it..

never never stay for near Eye of Storm while it is more than Cat 2!
CAT 1 is ok to stay near by Eye of Storm.. I had that trhought before
I remmy I saw the Eye of Andrew 1992 when it hits La.. it was Cat 1..

08-27-2008, 08:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
CrzyMeg I love Toby Join Date: May 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 5,499 Blog Entries: 1	Or can be toward to Pensacola where I am at. __________________ "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." Anne Frank GO PIRATES! Pensacola Junior College

08-28-2008, 02:10 PM	#10 (permalink)
Oceanbreeze Happy Holidays to all! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: S. FL Posts: 6,841	Gustov WILL be stronger than Fay, and thankfully, won't be paying us a visit. BUT, I'm concerned for those that live along the gulf coast. Stay safe, everyone! And, yes it IS ironic, but like it's been said... maybe people will pay attention now? __________________ "And I don't want the world to see me 'Cause I don't think that they'd understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am" ~Goo Goo Dolls Iris Last edited by Oceanbreeze; 08-28-2008 at 11:36 PM.

08-28-2008, 07:16 PM	#15 (permalink)
moonflower will be very busy soon Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Washtenaw County, Michigan Posts: 4,872	i hope new orleans will be ok as everyone get out of there much better than before when katrina hit 3 years ago i am nervous cuz my sister in law's family are living in Louisiana __________________ my little niece born 11/1/08

08-28-2008, 10:53 PM	#16 (permalink)
jazzy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 3,196	Not great news for Americans, oil price may rise up again. sigh. __________________

08-29-2008, 05:43 PM	#20 (permalink)
*VamPyroX* bloody phreak from hell Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hell Posts: 27,844	Could it be Katrina's son? __________________ Check out my city... CLICK HERE! (If you already visited yesterday, visit again today!)

Today
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08-27-2008, 08:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
jillio Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21,163	Just saw the damage Gustav did in Haiti on the news. Horrible!

08-27-2008, 09:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
BradB08 You talkin' to me? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,734 Blog Entries: 1	Hopefully no one will get hurt and damage will be minimal. I would hate to see a repeat of Hurricane Katrina. I do not fault Louisiana for stepping up precautionary measures.

08-27-2008, 09:45 PM	#5 (permalink)
web730 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,820	It might be little early to declare emergency but especially after what they experienced from the powerful Katrina so we couldn't blame them for that... so understandable. Gustav could change its path so who really know till it gets real close enough to forecast better ahead. Yeah, I believe that Gustav is much more powerful than Fay's so I hope it stays away from our area. ha lol

08-28-2008, 10:30 AM	#6 (permalink)
Byrdie714 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Pacific County, Washington Posts: 5,089	How ironic that Gustav will be hitting the U.S. especially during the Republican National convention? Maybe it's a reminder of this administration mishaps of handling national emergencies. I hope that Gustav doesn't hit Louisiana.

08-28-2008, 05:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
IslandGal Hi ya! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 4,323	I am very concerned for the Cayman Islands which is in the projected path I am praying that they will not get hit hard like Ivan did to them in 2004.

08-28-2008, 05:24 PM	#12 (permalink)
IslandGal Hi ya! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 4,323	And my sister and her family are in Jamaica right now with Gustav churning over them at this moment

08-30-2008, 05:29 PM	#26 (permalink)
HorseRace Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Austin TX Posts: 1,301	yea now they are on the way to la area.. but still not sure where it would be hit.. so far it CAT 4 ! it strong as dangerous storm! so right now they just announce that everyone need to leave! i just saw on news now.. about 4pm today.. all my family is still in la.. Baton Rouge.. my sister and my bro made to Baton Rouge from new orleans.. they are staying with my dad house.. while my mom is still at her home in Baton Rouge.. i am at ausin tx.. i called them they are ok now.. just watch on news.. if the Eye of Storm hits Baton Rouge, then all my family will leave out to the states.. but if the Eye of storm hits other place such as Lake Charles, or Laf or other small town that pass Laf.. not east side.. just west.. then my family will stay in Baton Rouge.. as safe but watch for flood and tree down.. that it.. never never stay for near Eye of Storm while it is more than Cat 2! CAT 1 is ok to stay near by Eye of Storm.. I had that trhought before I remmy I saw the Eye of Andrew 1992 when it hits La.. it was Cat 1..
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