NationStates Jolt Archive

This is the most frightening weather report I have ever seen.

Urgent Weather Message from NWS New Orleans

WWUS74 KLIX 281550NPWLIXURGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW ORLEANS LA

1011 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005


DEVASTATING DAMAGE EXPECTED

HURRICANE KATRINAA MOST POWERFUL HURRICANE WITH UNPRECEDENTED STRENGTH...RIVALING THE INTENSITY OF HURRICANE CAMILLE OF 1969. MOST OF THE AREA WILL BE UNINHABITABLE FOR WEEKS...PERHAPS LONGER. ATLEAST ONE HALF OF WELL CONSTRUCTED HOMES WILL HAVE ROOF AND WALL FAILURE. ALL GABLED ROOFS WILL FAIL...LEAVING THOSE HOMES SEVERELY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WILL BECOME NON FUNCTIONAL.PARTIAL TO COMPLETE WALL AND ROOF FAILURE IS EXPECTED. ALL WOOD FRAMED LOW RISING APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL BE DESTROYED.


CONCRETE BLOCK LOW RISE APARTMENTS WILL SUSTAIN MAJOR DAMAGE...INCLUDING SOME WALL AND ROOF FAILURE. HIGH RISE OFFICE AND APARTMENT BUILDINGS WILL SWAY DANGEROUSLY...A FEW TO THE POINT OF TOTAL COLLAPSE. ALL WINDOWS WILL BLOW OUT. AIRBORNE DEBRIS WILL BE WIDESPREAD...AND MAY INCLUDE HEAVY ITEMS SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES AND EVEN LIGHT VEHICLES. SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND LIGHT TRUCKS WILL BE MOVED. THE BLOWN DEBRIS WILL CREATEADDITIONAL DESTRUCTION. PERSONS...PETS...


AND LIVESTOCK EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL FACE CERTAIN DEATH IF STRUCK. POWER OUTAGES WILL LAST FOR WEEKS...AS MOST POWER POLES WILL BE DOWN AND TRANSFORMERS DESTROYED. WATER SHORTAGES WILL MAKE HUMAN SUFFERING INCREDIBLE BY MODERN STANDARDS.THE VAST MAJORITY OF NATIVE TREES WILL BE SNAPPED OR UPROOTED. ONLY THE HEARTIEST WILL REMAIN STANDING...


BUT BE TOTALLY DEFOLIATED. FEWCROPS WILL REMAIN. LIVESTOCK LEFT EXPOSED TO THE WINDS WILL BEKILLED.AN INLAND HURRICANE WIND WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS NEARHURRICANE FORCE...OR FREQUENT GUSTS AT OR ABOVE HURRICANE FORCE..


.ARECERTAIN WITHIN THE NEXT 12 TO 24 HOURS.ONCE TROPICAL STORM AND HURRICANE FORCE WINDS ONSET...DO NOT VENTUREOUTSIDE!LAZ038-040-050-056>070-282100-ASSUMPTION-LIVINGSTON-LOWER JEFFERSON-LOWER LAFOURCHE-LOWER PLAQUEMINES-LOWER ST. BERNARD-LOWER TERREBONNE-ORLEANS-ST. CHARLES-ST. JAMES-ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST-ST. TAMMANY-TANGIPAHOA-UPPER JEFFERSON-UPPER LAFOURCHE-UPPER PLAQUEMINES-UPPER ST. BERNARD-UPPER TERREBONNE-1011 AM CDT SUN AUG 28 2005

Well we can hope for a tapering off of winds, and maybe if the storm shifts direction.. I'm hoping for a last minute shift towards the Florida panhandle..

its gods will

ive been to new orleans

it makes las vegas look amateur when it comes to sin.

its gods will

ive been to new orleans

it makes las vegas look amateur when it comes to sin.

gods will.. hahahahahah... nonsense.

New Orleans is a pretty nice city and I've been there too. These are natural processes of nature..

its gods will

ive been to new orleans

it makes las vegas look amateur when it comes to sin.

I wouldn't be surprised if some idiot survivor in New Orleans claims it was God's wrath afterwards.

I wouldn't be surprised if some idiot survivor in New Orleans claims it was God's wrath afterwards.

Freddy Phelps would be there, I assure you.

the coastline of lousianna will be hit the worst. i sure hope everyone down there gets out. even the weathermen should stay away.

Track Map (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics/AT12/refresh/AL1205W5+GIF/1A.gif)

Wind Map (http://www.crownweather.com/katrinawind.gif)

Satellite (http://www.wunderground.com/data/640x480/2xg1_ir_anim.gif)

Radar (http://radar.weather.gov/radar/latest/DS.p37cr/si.klix.shtml)

its gods will

ive been to new orleans

it makes las vegas look amateur when it comes to sin.

I know you - you are joking.

This is nothing to joke about. I experienced the 2nd worse storm in recorded history last year. This will be worse. Not just the winds, but the flooding as well; Think Tsunami level waters, higher than many 2nd story windows.

Add 150++ MPH winds to that.

Then weeks with no power in high heat and humidity.

They are in for the shits.

Pray for them.

(then the insurance hassles begin - you think a hurricane is shitty?...)

Thankks for the links Gart.

Note that the winds will blow the waters right up the river.

Ooooh, this is the shits.

Can I have a source for that? :p

I wouldn't be surprised if some idiot survivor in New Orleans claims it was God's wrath afterwards.
It's because of the homosexuals. You never should have harboured them. :p

My thoughts are with the people of New Orleans, I've been there and it's a fabulous city. Lets just hope it's slows down fast! :(

Wife and I lived in Louisisna for over 15 years and never made it to New Orleans. We had hoped to go there some day on vacation. I hope it will still be around but right now it looks pretty glum. I hope most of the people get out and there are not a lot of deaths and serious injuries.

On a more serious note, I'm sure it'll turn out for the best. It's all probably being deliberately exaggerated to make sure everyone gets out, and casualties are minimised.

Well we can hope for a tapering off of winds, and maybe if the storm shifts direction.. I'm hoping for a last minute shift towards the Florida panhandle..
And wipe out Pensacola? No thanks. How about a turn south?

Lousy thing is that there is another Tropical Depression just about a week behind Katrina.

It'll suck wherever it lands, but preferable if the eye goes over a place above sea level...

On a more serious note, I'm sure it'll turn out for the best. It's all probably being deliberately exaggerated to make sure everyone gets out, and casualties are minimised.

How boring.

And wipe out Pensacola? No thanks. How about a turn south?

You just don't want it hitting your state. I'd prefer it hit a lesser populated area then New Orleans. Lets face it residents will not be able to evacuate in time.

I think the possibility of such total devastation is very real, but far from a certainty. The authourities are doing the wise thing and taking no chances. I worry for those who cannot get out of the city, for whatever reason.

IIRC there have long been predictions that most of the *state* of Louisianna could end up under water within 20 years time, due to erosion and other factors. This is scary stuff, my heart and my prayers go out to the people of New Orleans.

Good Luck to you guys out there in New Orleans!
God's Speed!

Great and it's going to curve this way too, will be raining like a bitch for a week, better than this insufferable heat.

I wish we could take some of the rain out of the hurricane and give to SoCal.. we need the rain.. so damn hot and dry here. We had 15% humidity yesturday.

Hey dont hog all the rain.
We kinda need some of it here in
Northern Illinois.
The crops are dying!!!!

Where exactly did you find that weather report? I am not finding it in the NWS website.

On a more serious note, I'm sure it'll turn out for the best. It's all probably being deliberately exaggerated to make sure everyone gets out, and casualties are minimised.

We've been watching it on TV. Unfortunately, they are not exaggerating it. The storm is a category 5 or 5+. It's the worst since Camille in 1969.

We've been watching it on TV. Unfortunately, they are not exaggerating it. The storm is a category 5 or 5+. It's the worst since Camille in 1969.
Well, you know how commercial broadcasters like a hot story. :)

I wish we could take some of the rain out of the hurricane and give to SoCal.. we need the rain.. so damn hot and dry here. We had 15% humidity yesturday.

15% humidity is nothing. That's very dry, but try over 100% with 40 to 60% humidity. That's hot.

We've been watching it on TV. Unfortunately, they are not exaggerating it. The storm is a category 5 or 5+. It's the worst since Camille in 1969.
I was in P'cola during Frederick in 1979. That was 130 mph winds and it destroyed every bridge in Mobile Bay. We can hope that Katrina weakens, but it will still be an awful storm.

All we can do is pray for the people that are in the path of this nightmare.

Found the source:

http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwus74.klix.npw.lix.txt

Found the source:

http://weather.noaa.gov/pub/data/raw/ww/wwus74.klix.npw.lix.txt
Hmm, well I suppose it's not like the NOAA to be alarmist. Still, I reserve judgement. I certainly believe that as the world's wealthiest and most technologically advanced nation, the US will shrug this off easily.

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/FLOAT/IR4/20.jpg
just look at that eye wall!
Damn, they are screwed!
Well, just hope everyone gets the hell out of there.

Hmm, well I suppose it's not like the NOAA to be alarmist. Still, I reserve judgement. I certainly believe that as the world's wealthiest and most technologically advanced nation, the US will shrug this off easily.

The Union as a whole shouldn't have a hard time recovering, but unless something in the weather gives, the city of New Orleans itself may effectively die. The loss of history and culture there will be every bit as bad as the loss of life is going to be.

Well this is great. Anyone know how this will affect I-10 running to Pensacola? I am leaving for school Sept 2 and I'm wondering if I should choose an alternate route.

What's worse, I'll probably end up getting mugged if I stop....great....

Gotta get a CCW.

Hmm, well I suppose it's not like the NOAA to be alarmist. Still, I reserve judgement. I certainly believe that as the world's wealthiest and most technologically advanced nation, the US will shrug this off easily.


Of course we will. Unfortunately, many individuals are likely to suffer some serious losses. People that cant afford to lose are going to take this really hard.
I'm sure we'll have assistance, good wishes and good will from our friends all around the world right away though, right?

Well we can hope for a tapering off of winds, and maybe if the storm shifts direction.. I'm hoping for a last minute shift towards the Florida panhandle..

I'm not. I was hit by Ivan and Dennis. It's one of the most terrifying experiences I've ever been through short of being bombed. I'm personally hoping it comes between New Orleans and Biloxi, but it's not looking too good for the Big East down here. I live where Ivan and Dennis hit. Just north of Pensacola.

I wonder if Hollywood will have a big concert and help out the people of LA like they did southeast asia after the big Tsunami.....























Probably not, not enough dark-skinned people..... :rolleyes:

I wonder if Hollywood will have a big concert and help out the people of LA like they did southeast asia after the big Tsunami.....























Probably not, not enough dark-skinned people..... :rolleyes:


Dont hold your breath.

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/FLOAT/IR4/20.jpg
just look at that eye wall!
Damn, they are screwed!
Well, just hope everyone gets the hell out of there.

It had a concentric eye (two eyes in one storm) last night (Saturday, 8/28/2005). That's the first time I've ever seen that, and I've been through George, Ivan, Dennis, and every hurricane to hit the gulf coast since 1990. We were - and still are - hoping that it will switch eyes again before hitting shore so that the warm air can get in and tear it apart a little.

I wonder if Hollywood will have a big concert and help out the people of LA like they did southeast asia after the big Tsunami.....

Probably not, not enough dark-skinned people..... :rolleyes:

Why don't you go troll somewhere else?

The effects of global warming will be an increase in tropical storms and hurricanes. America is the world's biggest emmiter of CO2 and it hasn't signed up to the Kyoto agreement and the Bush government doesn't even recognize the fact that human activity causes global warming. An increase in the frequency of these hurricanes is partly the fault of the self-obsessed polluting uncle sam and maybe nature is getting its own back.

On a more serious note, I'm sure it'll turn out for the best. It's all probably being deliberately exaggerated to make sure everyone gets out, and casualties are minimised.

They are housing the homeless and people who can't get out in the stadium & of all places a shelter on "Canal Street" - that's a thing that makes you go hmmm... They have a lot of homeless there. They're telling them to bring enough food for 3 days - like they can and like that will be long enough.
They are keeping prisioners in prision, that can be a deterrent.

That area is already below sea level - they bury the dead above ground.

The winds are the worst they've had on record.
30- 40' waves in that wind doesn't sound like fun to me, even if I surfed.

LMAO and they're handing out 10 sand bags per person to protect their homes :confused:

My heart goes out to them.

Starry

I know you - you are joking.

This is nothing to joke about. I experienced the 2nd worse storm in recorded history last year. This will be worse. Not just the winds, but the flooding as well; Think Tsunami level waters, higher than many 2nd story windows.

Add 150++ MPH winds to that.

Then weeks with no power in high heat and humidity.

They are in for the shits.

Pray for them.

(then the insurance hassles begin - you think a hurricane is shitty?...)


We have friends in Florida whose home was badly damaged in a hurricane two years ago, fought to get ins payout, then rebuilt only to have it demolished again just weeks after repairs complete.
I was in Daytona this past April-hotels on the beach were still demolished and up for sale looking like they had been bombed. There were still odd shingles and other building debris on the roadsides.

Unfortunately, this looks like its going to be so much worse.

They are housing the homeless and people who can't get out in the stadium & of all places a shelter on "Canal Street" - that's a thing that makes you go hmmm... They have a lot of homeless there. They're telling them to bring enough food for 3 days - like they can and like that will be long enough.
They are keeping prisioners in prision, that can be a deterrent.

That area is already below sea level - they bury the dead above ground.

The winds are the worst they've had on record.
30- 40' waves in that wind doesn't sound like fun to me, even if I surfed.

LMAO and they're handing out 10 sand bags per person to protect their homes :confused:

My heart goes out to them.

Starry

Have you seen the line trying to get into the Superdome?

Everyone of course is carrying several bags and they all need to be searched for security purposes.

Katrina will probably die down a little before striking land. The shelf on the coast is much shallower than most coasts. Also, the water in that region is cooler than other hurricane-prone regions. The hurricane gets its strength from the heat, etc, so hopefully it will go down to a category 3 or 4.


Good luck, New Orleans :p

Well we can hope for a tapering off of winds, and maybe if the storm shifts direction.. I'm hoping for a last minute shift towards the Florida panhandle..
What? You want it to go to the panhandle? Why? Pensacola's been hammered enough already, what with Ivan, Dennis, and Albert(I think, it was a tropical storm earlier this year) they don't need another one. Personally, I'm hoping for it to make a sudden sharp turn West and head for the desert of Mexico, travel up over the rockies and die over the dry southwest. And besides, we don't need another hurricane here in Florida. New Orleans to me looks like it's going to be totaled, it is below sea level and the storm is producing 20 foot storm surge plus 175 mph winds. Ouch. I wish it had followed the original course.

Why don't you go troll somewhere else?

So you are defending hollywood?


WTF?

I call it natural selection.

Anyone who is clueless enough NOT to get out of New Orleans...well...we don't paticulary want them reproducing, right?

Of course we will. Unfortunately, many individuals are likely to suffer some serious losses. People that cant afford to lose are going to take this really hard.
I'm sure we'll have assistance, good wishes and good will from our friends all around the world right away though, right?
Well, considering the BBC only bumped this story to the top a couple of hours ago, I doubt public awareness outside the US is very high at the moment. If it really is as bad as the US media claim, it's going to come as a big surprise to the rest of the world. So far it's just another hurricane like the last one, you know?

And without question, outside assistance is not going to be necessary. This is the US we're talking about, no-one in the world is better equipped to deal with a natural disaster, and those areas have plenty of experience already. They'll deal with it same as before.

Anyway, the satellite photo looks all scary now, it could just burn itself out overnight and end up like the usual by the time it reaches shore. It's got what, a whole day or two to travel?

English Cricketers']The effects of global warming will be an increase in tropical storms and hurricanes. America is the world's biggest emmiter of CO2 and it hasn't signed up to the Kyoto agreement and the Bush government doesn't even recognize the fact that human activity causes global warming. An increase in the frequency of these hurricanes is partly the fault of the self-obsessed polluting uncle sam and maybe nature is getting its own back.
First of all, don't blame humanity. Pollution doesn't affect the weather(I mean, when it comes to huge events like Katrina, because I know there is such thing as acid rain). I looked at a graph stating the amounts of hurricanes from 1949 to today, and they went in a pattern, for a while, you had a massive increase in powerful hurricanes, then they went down, then back up, then back down.

Second, don't put politics into this. I hate it when anyone, Republican, Democrat, Independent, whatever, uses any natural event to blame the current administration, be the administration Democrat, Republican, or Independent.

Third, Nature has always been an unpredictable, unforgiving force, even before the Industrial Revolution.

Also, I should tell you that the amount of pollution over the U.S. is steadily decreasing.

So you are defending hollywood?


WTF?
I'm asking you not thread crap. Hollywood has nothing to do with this whether you like them or not.

This thread is for discussing the hurricane and the city it is about to hit, not your grudges against liberals and Hollywood.

The technical name for this thing at 355 mph is a weak hypercane, the like of which have not been seen on earth for millenia. I hope that everyone living there gets out ok, and theres not too much of that destruction type stuff.

English Cricketers']The effects of global warming will be an increase in tropical storms and hurricanes. America is the world's biggest emmiter of CO2 and it hasn't signed up to the Kyoto agreement and the Bush government doesn't even recognize the fact that human activity causes global warming. An increase in the frequency of these hurricanes is partly the fault of the self-obsessed polluting uncle sam and maybe nature is getting its own back.

No. Actually the majority of warming is caused by natural events. And America will no longer be the biggest emmiter of CO2 in say 10 or 20 years. China and India will take over. The Kyoto agreement is flawed in the face that it allows developing powers to pollute more. That's contradictory. Also we have to support the high tech industry in a way Kyoto does not. Increasing unemployment and wiping out economic growth is not the way to go.. rather that stagnates the economy from developing into something high tech. So please learn the facts about the Kyoto bullshit.

Swabians:

What? You want it to go to the panhandle? Why? Pensacola's been hammered enough already, what with Ivan, Dennis, and Albert(I think, it was a tropical storm earlier this year) they don't need another one. Personally, I'm hoping for it to make a sudden sharp turn West and head for the desert of Mexico, travel up over the rockies and die over the dry southwest.

I don't think you would want that. It would hit oil rigs if it did that.

Wishful thinking. I want it to go over the panhandle because it is less densely populated.

Well I spotted an error on drudgereport.. they claim the area produces 25% of the domestic oil supply. Not so the case. The storm missed oil rigs.

Well, here's my prediction for the upcoming hurricane festivals, uh, season:

Awful lot of smiting going on, and believe me, it won't decrease either. Maybe sometime soon somebody might just realize that - although these weather phenomenons occur according to natural laws, thus naturally - they don't just happen in increased numbers and severity by chance.*

*Starts with G.W. but doesn't end on Bush - what could it possibly be?

I honestly hope and pray, though, that the people who live there and who don't have a chance of leaving will be save and survive this monster.

As for our German evening news - big topic on the main part as well as on the weather forecast. (We know what's going on "over there"...)

New Orleans is fucked.
And I wanted to go to Mardi Gras.
On a more serious note, I sat though Hurrican Jean, Charlie, and all the others that hit around Palm Bay and or came though, it was the shizaps, cept the damage it causes, we can kiss New Orleans good bye. :gundge:

I think we should rather wait and see what happens because I see a lot of premature judgement on here. I do see that there is a shelf surrounding the area and the water is more shallow which could potentially weaken the hurricane a bit.

Perhaps by Tuesday we will know.

First of all, don't blame humanity. Pollution doesn't affect the weather(I mean, when it comes to huge events like Katrina, because I know there is such thing as acid rain).
(...)
Also, I should tell you that the amount of pollution over the U.S. is steadily decreasing.
Actually, pollution has a direct connection to the weather and its change:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4171591.stm

After 9/11 and the three days which followed and all planes were grounded, scientists could directly prove that for the first time...

And while the amount of pollution might be decreasing, the amount of greehouse gases is not...

http://davidmichaelkennedy.com/blog/images/hurricane%203.jpg

That's the house of the rising sun...


On a serious note, best of luck for the people of New Orleans...

::sings:: and the house of the rising sun

Oh and some advice to the people in the words of Led-Zeppelin

If it keeps on rainin', levee's goin' to break,
When The Levee Breaks I'll have no place to stay.

Mean old levee taught me to weep and moan,
Got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home,
Oh, well, oh, well, oh, well.

Don't it make you feel bad
When you're tryin' to find your way home,
You don't know which way to go?
If you're goin' down South
They go no work to do,
If you don't know about Chicago.

Cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good,
Now, cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do you no good,
When the levee breaks, mama, you got to move.

All last night sat on the levee and moaned,
Thinkin' about me baby and my happy home.
Going, going to Chicago... Going to Chicago... Sorry but I can't take you...
Going down... going down now... going down....

There is some weakening.. it has slown down to 160 mph. I'm hoping for more weakening before it hits.

It's true, a lot can happen in 24 hours, so my position on this is still meh.

You just don't want it hitting your state. I'd prefer it hit a lesser populated area then New Orleans. Lets face it residents will not be able to evacuate in time.
So would I--I've still got family down there. If you're looking for a less densely populated area for it to come ashore, then west of New Orleans is the best bet, or east between Biloxi and Mobile. But this is going to suck, no matter where it goes ashore.

My daughter and her mom live on the Gulf coast, and they've already gotten out of town, heading for Atlanta.

Will you Americans, please, for once, after the storm, build your houses with concrete? How do you expect a flimsy house made of timber to stand winds up to 180km/h and then whine at your bad luck?

Will you Americans, please, for once, after the storm, build your houses with concrete? How do you expect a flimsy house made of timber to stand winds up to 180km/h and then whine at your bad luck?

Maybe people will build their houses more inland..

Maybe people will build their houses more inland..

Whatever. Hurricanes don't naturally decrease in strength because there are people living there. What people have to do is to build their houses stronger, or, as you say, move inland. Sigh. In Hong Kong we all live in huge towering blocks of apartment all made to withstand the winds up to 180km/h. Hardly anybody gets killed during typhoons, and those who die are usually the idiots who go to the beach to watch the waves. :rolleyes:

Well this is great. Anyone know how this will affect I-10 running to Pensacola? I am leaving for school Sept 2 and I'm wondering if I should choose an alternate route.

What's worse, I'll probably end up getting mugged if I stop....great....

Gotta get a CCW.All I can tell you is to find another way to get there--I-10 will be impassable after this thing hits, especially if you're coming from the west.

Whatever. Hurricanes don't naturally decrease in strength because there are people living there. What people have to do is to build their houses stronger, or, as you say, move inland. Sigh. In Hong Kong we all live in huge towering blocks of apartment all made to withstand the winds up to 180km/h. Hardly anybody gets killed during typhoons, and those who die are usually the idiots who go to the beach to watch the waves. :rolleyes:

Did I say that hurricanes decrease in strength because there are people living there? No I didn't. I have said the waters on the coastline in that area is shallow so weakening will happen.

Did I say that hurricanes decrease in strength because there are people living there? No I didn't. I have said the waters on the coastline in that area is shallow so weakening will happen.
Oh no. That statement was a general sarcastic comment, not directed at your quote. :p

those who die are usually the idiots who go to the beach to watch the waves. :rolleyes:

Hahahahaha. Morons!

I've always known that the city was at greater risk of hurricane damage: poor soil, low elevation, densely populated, and a helluvalota water on all sides. I've actually seen a National Geographic show on hurricanes speculating what may happen if a hurricane hit. That was made 13 years ago. I didn't think it'd happen.
I also have a relative on a vacation near Pensacola. They probably won't get hit as hard, but I wouldn't take any chances. His flight home was cancelled and rerouted to Atlanta. I would've taken the first car out. Even if he is safe, the whole South will be gridlocked. My heart goes out to them.
And on a side note, it'd damage the economy badly. New Orleans is the second busiest port in the US. Any ships there will be destroyed, along with the docks. Any factories will be gone. And on a side note, not only are all the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico not working, but the many refineries in New Orleans probably won't work, either. In any case, I give the oil companies credit for evacuating their employees long ago.

Well, considering the BBC only bumped this story to the top a couple of hours ago, I doubt public awareness outside the US is very high at the moment. If it really is as bad as the US media claim, it's going to come as a big surprise to the rest of the world. So far it's just another hurricane like the last one, you know?

And without question, outside assistance is not going to be necessary. This is the US we're talking about, no-one in the world is better equipped to deal with a natural disaster, and those areas have plenty of experience already. They'll deal with it same as before.

Anyway, the satellite photo looks all scary now, it could just burn itself out overnight and end up like the usual by the time it reaches shore. It's got what, a whole day or two to travel?
It'll hit shore early tommorow morning. And don't worry that the rest of the world has no idea about it. To be quite honest, this is just like the other spurts of really bad weather that we had. There was the "Perfect Storm" of 1991, plus the Great Blizzard of 1993, the gigantic Mississipi River floods the same year, and our hurricanes all last year. The Great Planes has what is probably the scariest weather in the world every spring. Maybe it is worse as it is hitting such a vulnerable area, but for the most part, the US experiences this weather all the time.

And on a side note, it'd damage the economy badly. New Orleans is the second busiest port in the US. Any ships there will be destroyed, along with the docks. Any factories will be gone. And on a side note, not only are all the rigs in the Gulf of Mexico not working, but the many refineries in New Orleans probably won't work, either. In any case, I give the oil companies credit for evacuating their employees long ago.

I don't necessarily agree with that assessment. I think it will slow the economy a bit as recovery begins. But I do not believe the economy will be damaged badly. The oil rigs in Gulf of Mexico from what I heard have been spared most of the damage.

It'll hit shore early tommorow morning. And don't worry that the rest of the world has no idea about it. To be quite honest, this is just like the other spurts of really bad weather that we had. There was the "Perfect Storm" of 1991, plus the Great Blizzard of 1993, the gigantic Mississipi River floods the same year, and our hurricanes all last year. The Great Planes has what is probably the scariest weather in the world every spring. Maybe it is worse as it is hitting such a vulnerable area, but for the most part, the US experiences this weather all the time.
Oh cool. Then I feel vindicated in not being particularly concerned. :)

Man, all the people writing into the BBC website must be really weak, then. Looking like the end of the world, my ass. :rolleyes:

Hahahahaha. Morons!
You know what the more moronic thing is? Rescue workers are dispatched to rescue those morons, and in the end the morons get rescued and the rescue workers suffer casualties.

Oh cool. Then I feel vindicated in not being particularly concerned. :)

Man, all the people writing into the BBC website must be really weak, then. Looking like the end of the world, my ass. :rolleyes:
That wasn't entirely my point. Bad weather happens, but rarely in a populated area. The Great Blizzard of '93 affected a lot of cities, but other than dumping a foot of snow on Talahassee, it wasn't more than what we could handle. Speaking as a northerner, blizzards are easy: you snuggle in a blanket and get some candles. As long as you don't go outside, you're fine. I don't know what it'd be like for a giant water engine to dump its fury on an area below sea level.

I don't necessarily agree with that assessment. I think it will slow the economy a bit as recovery begins. But I do not believe the economy will be damaged badly. The oil rigs in Gulf of Mexico from what I heard have been spared most of the damage.
I'm glad they surivied. But the port of New Orleans will be closed until repairs. All of the bridges will probably be gone, and so will the railroads out. The East Coast ports just can't take all of the spillover. Besides, imagine the insurance premiums. I would certainly hate to be an insurance company right now. This will probably be the most costly disaster ever, even surpassing 9/11 in monetary value.

I'm glad they surivied. But the port of New Orleans will be closed until repairs. All of the bridges will probably be gone, and so will the railroads out. The East Coast ports just can't take all of the spillover. Besides, imagine the insurance premiums. I would certainly hate to be an insurance company right now. This will probably be the most costly disaster ever, even surpassing 9/11 in monetary value.

I again don't really agree with the assessment. I think there will be sufficient redirection. There may be a slowdown in the economy, but the economy can most certainly absorb this.

Besides, imagine the insurance premiums. I would certainly hate to be an insurance company right now. This will probably be the most costly disaster ever, even surpassing 9/11 in monetary value.
OK, I have an idea...maybe it's a little crazy, but hear me out...

I joked earlier about placing bets on how soon a thread would appear, blaming God's wrath provoked as a result of the city's tolerance of homosexuals.

Now suppose the insurance companies would say, it was an Act of God? In other words, a random event not covered by the insurance?

OK, I admit to being just a little facetious...

I don't necessarily agree with that assessment. I think it will slow the economy a bit as recovery begins. But I do not believe the economy will be damaged badly. The oil rigs in Gulf of Mexico from what I heard have been spared most of the damage.
Well according to the Mayor of New Orleans, a third of the US domestic oil production comes through the Port of New Orleans, and so does a third of imported oil, and that doesn't include the refining capacity that Louisiana supplies. Any shutdown that lasts longer than a few days is going to have seriously deleterious effects on the cost of gas and of oil nationwide.

Here's a little tidbit for you--oil is already over $70 a barrel on the NYMEX limited trading exchange. I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit $75 tomorrow, and the Dow go below 10,000 as a result. (Okay, maybe that second is a stretch, since it would have to drop about 400 points, but I think it will be down, and significantly.) I hope I'm wrong, but unless there's a significant wobble in this storm akin to the one I went through when it came over my house, then there will be massive destruction to the oil industry infrastructure in Louisiana, and that will have major repercussions nationally.

Here's a little tidbit for you--oil is already over $70 a barrel on the NYMEX limited trading exchange. I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit $75 tomorrow, and the Dow go below 10,000 as a result. (Okay, maybe that second is a stretch, since it would have to drop about 400 points, but I think it will be down, and significantly.) I hope I'm wrong, but unless there's a significant wobble in this storm akin to the one I went through when it came over my house, then there will be massive destruction to the oil industry infrastructure in Louisiana, and that will have major repercussions nationally.

You did not accept the reality that the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico where most of the oil is extracted were not hit. I did see that oil went over $70, but I feel that will be shortlived. I will wait for tomorrow, but I do not see the Dow going below 10,000.

I again don't really agree with the assessment. I think there will be sufficient redirection. There may be a slowdown in the economy, but the economy can most certainly absorb this.
I'm not sure. New Orleans is an easy way into this country. You have an area that is already fairly populated, and it sits near the mouth of a river that drains most of North America. It's cheap. You can probably use the St. Lawrence seaway, but Asian trade can't get over there that easily, and a good part of it freezes in the winter.

OK, I have an idea...maybe it's a little crazy, but hear me out...

I joked earlier about placing bets on how soon a thread would appear, blaming God's wrath provoked as a result of the city's tolerance of homosexuals.

Now suppose the insurance companies would say, it was an Act of God? In other words, a random event not covered by the insurance?

OK, I admit to being just a little facetious...
Two words: massive lawsuits.

You did not accept the reality that the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico where most of the oil is extracted were not hit. I did see that oil went over $70, but I feel that will be shortlived. I will wait for tomorrow, but I do not see the Dow going below 10,000.
Don't forget, many of the nation's biggest refineries are there. Even if we can get the oil, there are fewer ways to refine it. And they are probably easier to damage, considering that the offshore rigs are better built, anyhow.

Don't forget, many of the nation's biggest refineries are there. Even if we can get the oil, there are fewer ways to refine it. And they are probably easier to damage, considering that the offshore rigs are better built, anyhow.

Yes but I feel the damage will not be sufficient enough, or at least I will hope.

All I can tell you is to find another way to get there--I-10 will be impassable after this thing hits, especially if you're coming from the west.
Agreed. US 90 isn't going to work, either. I'd call the AAA before I left to get a good idea of travel conditions. You might have to go up as far as I-20 to get a clear, eastbound road.

That's really disgusting to see people saying it's God's will for people to be "punished" in this way.

Personally...I think it's God's will that we PULL TOGETHER and HELP the people who are going to have their homes, livelihoods and (I REALLY REALLY pray not) their friends taken away. They will need a LOT of help, and even a tiny act of generosity makes a difference.

THAT is what we should learn from a thing like this. And what we should carry away from it after everything's over.

I wonder if Hollywood will have a big concert and help out the people of LA like they did southeast asia after the big Tsunami.....

Probably not, not enough dark-skinned people..... :rolleyes:

Too many rich people, not everything is about race.

Rich of course being a relative term, most poor people in the west are still very well-off, overall.

Yes but I feel the damage will not be sufficient enough, or at least I will hope.
We'll find out.

You did not accept the reality that the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico where most of the oil is extracted were not hit. I did see that oil went over $70, but I feel that will be shortlived. I will wait for tomorrow, but I do not see the Dow going below 10,000.
Can you ever, just once, accept that someone who has lived, nay, grown up and lived as an adult in the area might just know a little bit more than you do about the situation on the ground there? God, you're one of the most fucking arrogant people I've ever come across.

Regardless of whether or not the rigs survived, the oil they pump won't do anyone a damn bit of good if there isn't a port for them to offload tankers, or if the pipelines that crisscross south Louisiana are piles of twisted pipe, or if the refineries are scrapheaps. And it's not like you can just send tankers to another port either--New Orleans handles as much oil as it does because it has built up the infrastructure over the last century to handle it, and you can't just pull that kind of capacity out of your ass.

Face it, Mesatecala--you don't know everything. You're a kid who lives on the complete other side of the country and has little or no experience with this area. I lived down there for half again as long as you've been alive--I know what the fuck I'm talking about. You don't. Get over yourself.

I also feel that the refineries will be repaired rather quickly...

Can you ever, just once, accept that someone who has lived, nay, grown up and lived as an adult in the area might just know a little bit more than you do about the situation on the ground there? God, you're one of the most fucking arrogant people I've ever come across.

I know that.

I'm just saying that I'll be hopeful that damage is not as bad I think, you fool. That's all.


Face it, Mesatecala--you don't know everything. You're a kid who lives on the complete other side of the country and has little or no experience with this area. I lived down there for half again as long as you've been alive--I know what the fuck I'm talking about. You don't. Get over yourself.

I'm not an arrogant one. I'm just saying I'll be hopeful and I'll hope that the oiil refineries will survive. And I lived in Texas when I was younger, so no I don't have little to no experience.

I read an article a few years ago that said that New Orleans was sinking because it was built on crappy swampland. It also said that if a major hurricane(like Katharine) were to hit New Orleans, the city would be completely destroyed and may sink much deeper than it already had. I think it's clear that the city will be massively flooded, but we can hope it doesn't undermine the buildings there, making them sink or collapse. If it doesn't sink much further, the city will be rebuilt(don't forget the 160+ MPH winds), if it does, I think a million people might need to find a new home.

Agreed. US 90 isn't going to work, either. I'd call the AAA before I left to get a good idea of travel conditions. You might have to go up as far as I-20 to get a clear, eastbound road.
I don't know where he's coming from, but I'd go as far north as I-40 and then come down through Alabama, eventually through Dothan. It'll take longer, but the roads ought to be okay, assuming Katrina doesn't bitchslap Alabama as well. Hurricane force winds are extending 105 miles from the eyewall right now. This is a monster.

I also feel that the refineries will be repaired rather quickly...
They will be. The oil firms have too much to loose if they aren't. But don't forget that any on-site repair equipment will be washed away, and they can't get anymore in unless the roads and airport reopens. That'll take days, especially if the bridges are washed out.

I read an article a few years ago that said that New Orleans was sinking because it was built on crappy swampland. It also said that if a major hurricane(like Katharine) were to hit New Orleans, the city would be completely destroyed and may sink much deeper than it already had. I think it's clear that the city will be massively flooded, but we can hope it doesn't undermine the buildings there, making them sink or collapse. If it doesn't sink much further, the city will be rebuilt(don't forget the 160+ MPH winds), if it does, I think a million people might need to find a new home.
It's location on the Mississippi's mouth is way too vital to be completely abandoned.

I do understand the damage will be extensive, and I feel that nazz unnecessarily lashed out at me. I don't know why he spewed that angry post at me... I'm just trying to be hopeful.

Have they ever had to rebuild to this extent? Such as, after Hurricane Betty?

Really, has any U.S. city ever had to rebuild THIS much? What will it take to do this? I went down to the areas hit by Hurricane Ivan and saw what hurricane damage on the coastline looks like. I can't even begin to imagine what this will look like.

I think we should consider this because I dunno if the government could (or SHOULD) handle this by itself. I think those of us in unaffected--or relatively unaffected--areas need to start thinking about what we'll do to help.

Is there no place on the delta to install a coastal shipping port for the Mississippi other than New Orleans?

Cos if there is, it might be better to put one there rather than a site that sits below sea level.

Have they ever had to rebuild to this extent? Such as, after Hurricane Betty?

Really, has any U.S. city ever had to rebuild THIS much? What will it take to do this? I went down to the areas hit by Hurricane Ivan and saw what hurricane damage on the coastline looks like. I can't even begin to imagine what this will look like.

I think we should consider this because I dunno if the government could (or SHOULD) handle this by itself. I think those of us in unaffected--or relatively unaffected--areas need to start thinking about what we'll do to help.
Rebuilding probably won't be as hard as some think for a few reasons. One is that, unlike in some developing nations with disasters, it is easy in the US to hold land titles, even if you can't physically defend it. Second, insurance companies will cover the damages, making it easy for people to rebuild. I think all the government really has to do is figure out a way to pump out the water.

Is there no place on the delta to install a coastal shipping port for the Mississippi other than New Orleans?

Cos if there is, it might be better to put one there rather than a site that sits below sea level.
Most of the places near the delta are the same as New Orleans. Besides, New Orleans has acsess to its ports through two waterways: the Mississippi and Lake Ponchatrain.

Have they ever had to rebuild to this extent? Such as, after Hurricane Betty?

Really, has any U.S. city ever had to rebuild THIS much? What will it take to do this? I went down to the areas hit by Hurricane Ivan and saw what hurricane damage on the coastline looks like. I can't even begin to imagine what this will look like.

I think we should consider this because I dunno if the government could (or SHOULD) handle this by itself. I think those of us in unaffected--or relatively unaffected--areas need to start thinking about what we'll do to help.
Both Betsy and Camille did extensive damage to the area, but the area wasn't as densely populated or as industrialized--refiniries, chemical plants, etc.--as it is now. There's always been a danger that a perfect storm could literally swamp New Orleans, and this might be the one that does it. The worst case scenario is that the pumps go down, the levees break, and New Orleans becomes a lake filled with sewage, toxic chemicals, and emptied coffins--the water table is so high that bodies aren't buried (they pop out of the earth if you try it)--and worst of all, a lot of drowned people, the ones who couldn't, or wouldn't evacuate.

That's worst case. Bad case is that the levees hold and the storm surge flows over and but the pumps still work. Then you can still eventually get the water out. The damage would be astonishing, but reparable, although it would take a long time to get it done.

Best case is that it wobbles and comes ashore west of New Orleans, across the less-populated Atchafalaya basin.

Isent New Orleans known for its above ground cemetaries or something like that because of the city being below the sea level? Any ideas what might happen there?

Isent New Orleans known for its above ground cemetaries or something like that because of the city being below the sea level? Any ideas what might happen there?
They already said on CNN. The bodies will float. They will probably be lost among the water mixed with oil, sewage, and corpses.

Rebuilding probably won't be as hard as some think for a few reasons. One is that, unlike in some developing nations with disasters, it is easy in the US to hold land titles, even if you can't physically defend it. Second, insurance companies will cover the damages, making it easy for people to rebuild. I think all the government really has to do is figure out a way to pump out the water.

That is right about the land titles and so on...but with that much of the infrastructure taken out, it could take a LONG time. I went down to the area hit by Ivan 4 or 5 months after the fact, and there were still interstate exits shut down because the overpasses were knocked out completely. :-(

You're right about the Atchafalaya Basin and how empty it is. I should know. I've driven through that area and I found out that it's like an hour without anywhere to stop for the bathroom. Hopefully that means fewer residents affected.

But would wobbling WEST be the best thing? It's the EAST side of a hurricane that's the most dangerous...

This is the most frightening weather report I have ever seen.

Urgent Weather Message from NWS New Orleans



Am I supposed to be a weather man or something?

Yes, it's tragic, but I don't see the point of discussing it.

Isent New Orleans known for its above ground cemetaries or something like that because of the city being below the sea level? Any ideas what might happen there?
Meh? Roads being washed away would appear to be a more mundane concern.

So how strong is it know?

That is right about the land titles and so on...but with that much of the infrastructure taken out, it could take a LONG time. I went down to the area hit by Ivan 4 or 5 months after the fact, and there were still interstate exits shut down because the overpasses were knocked out completely. :-(
It probably will. But the rebuilding won't take eons, like some of the tsunami rebuilding. It might actually be good for the economy with the new construction jobs needed. And if that many buildings are destroyed, I bet they'll be rebuilt as better, and maybe more useful.

So how strong is it know?
170mph.

170mph.

Hmmm. Knowing nothing about Hurricane classification, what class is it?

Hmmm. Knowing nothing about Hurricane classification, what class is it?
5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. That's the strongest. There have only been three other Category 5 storms that have hit the US. Most of the major ones are 3 or 4.

170mph.

Last I checked 160?

5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. That's the strongest. There have only been three other Category 5 storms that have hit the US. Most of the major ones are 3 or 4.

It's a good thing that it will weaken soon. Blasted estimated trajectory.

It's a good thing that it will weaken soon. Blasted estimated trajectory.

Yeah.. lets try to keep our heads up. I also think we should declare a week holiday for wall street.

The one thing possibly saving this from being a total fucking disaster is that the waters around Lousiania are shallow. So instead of total fucking disaster, just a bad, bad disaster.

Hmmm. Knowing nothing about Hurricane classification, what class is it?


i had heard earlyer today that the winds where up to 175mph on average and getting as high as 210. its a catagory 5 but if there was such thing as it, it would be a 6.

i had heard earlyer today that the winds where up to 175mph on average and getting as high as 210. its a catagory 5 but if there was such thing as it, it would be a 6.

Still, now is not earlier in the day.

i had heard earlyer today that the winds where up to 175mph on average and getting as high as 210. its a catagory 5 but if there was such thing as it, it would be a 6.

It is at 160mph right now and is expected to weaken as it passes through shallow waters.

It's a good thing that it will weaken soon. Blasted estimated trajectory.
It better stay as a 5. It probably won't weaken enough to cause any less damage, so if it hits, it might as well be historic. Don't forget that Camille, a 5, also hit the Gulf Shore.

Last I checked 160?
Yipee. Big change.

It is at 160mph right now and is expected to weaken as it passes through shallow waters.

They're predicting (last I heard) it should be a upper Cat 4 or low Cat 5 when it hits New Orleans.

They're predicting (last I heard) it should be a upper Cat 4 or low Cat 5 when it hits New Orleans.
Yep. While the continental shelf is shallow, the waters there are unusually warm for this time of year.

On a more serious note, I'm sure it'll turn out for the best. It's all probably being deliberately exaggerated to make sure everyone gets out, and casualties are minimised.

I live near Gulf Shores Al. and believe me this is no JOKE! It was at 175 mph ( a true Camille and at 902 kb..Camille was at 905 kb) THIS will be at least as bad as Andrew.. whoever hoped it to go eastward..thanks a lot pal! Ivan, Dennis..we dont need Katrina. I wish New Orleans the best of luck with this but I cannot go through this AGAIN. ONe week without power was enough and no gas, mres and crying and suffering was enough. This is not God's judgment either this is just incredible bad luck! And these do happen every so often.

its gods will

ive been to new orleans

it makes las vegas look amateur when it comes to sin.

They should get Pat Robertson to pray for God to punish New Orleans with this hurricaine. If his track record is anything to go by, it will then skip the South entierly and hit Virginia.

Been hearing new info on the radio about wave height at the eyewall. Wave height is reported to be 60-70 feet. If this doesn't diminish in the next 3-5 hours, New Orleans will face the worst-case scenario.

Wow, unreal. I hope everyone gets out in time. I've always wanted to visit New Orleans or maybe move there... I hope it won't be gone when I have the money to get that far south. My thoughts are with all of those people. I hope everyone pulls through.

Well it's impossible for everyone to pull it through.
But lets pray that most of them survive.

Well, I just watched the Weather Channel for an update.

They reported sustained winds of 155mph...didn't catch the atmospheric pressure.

There's a trough of low pressure over Texas right now that has forced some drier air into the western portion of the hurricane, weakening it slightly. It also appears to be forcing the track of the eye slightly eastwards, so that the eye itself might make landfall over the Alabama/Mississippi coast, but it's still too soon to tell.

The damn thing is only moving at 12mph...wherever it makes landfall is in for one long ride. :(

Updated links.



Track Map (http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ftp/graphics/AT12/refresh/AL1205W5+GIF/1A.gif)

Wind Map (http://www.crownweather.com/katrinawind.gif)

Satellite (http://www.wunderground.com/data/640x480/2xg1_ir_anim.gif)

Radar (http://radar.weather.gov/radar/latest/DS.p37cr/si.klix.shtml)

New Orleans will be fine.

hey guys... i feal really bad about the winds down there in new orleans., i only see tornados on TV, in Egypt we get non, anyway, i hope it isnt as bad as the ones on the movies...
good luck surviving there...

salam

hey guys... i feal really bad about the winds down there in new orleans., i only see tornados on TV, in Egypt we get non, anyway, i hope it isnt as bad as the ones on the movies...
good luck surviving there...

salam

They normally aren't, but the way they've been describing how this one will be is just like how you see them in the movies....:(

Well we can hope for a tapering off of winds, and maybe if the storm shifts direction.. I'm hoping for a last minute shift towards the Florida panhandle..

I'm not, i have a friend there. I don't want it to head towards North Carolina either, I have family there.

Latest update I've seen has the eyewall hitting New Orleans right about now, but it's the western side of the eyewall. Good news is that the eastern side of the hurricane, which is the most powerful, isn't hitting the most delicate part of the area. Bad news is that the most powerful part of the storm is hitting the area where I went to high school many years ago, and where my daughter lives right now (she's in Atlanta, riding this thing out).

The storm weakened slightly, but they're still expecting breaches of the levee system, which means there will be widespread although apparently not catastrophic flooding. But there's still a long way to go--storm force winds were extending 230 miles from the eye last night and that doesn't seem to have changed much, so with the storm moving at 15 mph, New Orleans could still be experiencing storm force winds for another 15 hours or so--probably less as the storm will continue to weaken over land.

Good morning all! (It's 9am where I am)

Updates on Hurricane Katrina + the city of N.O.:

1,000,000 are estimated homeless in the metropolitan area

The Superdome is still standing, BUT, A/C is offline and generators are currently powering the Superdome

Katrina - downgraded to a Cat-4 at 3AM EDT w/sustained winds of 145mph

370,000 homes + businesses are without power

Parts of the city could be under 30 feet of water

Damaged could be as high as $30 billion, 150% of Hurrican Andrew's damage

Where I live, I've had two Category 5 cyclones pass by my city to the North.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9539104

Well, it now seems that the damage to New Orleans happened after the storm. A levee on Lake Ponchatrain burst overnight, and 80% of the city is underwater. Most people trapped in their homes have to go either in their attics or on their roofs to escape drowning. The mayor is now saying that it'll be at least a month before anyone can move back into the city. I hope that it turns out okay. Unfortunatly, it is probably too late to save everyone.