Louisiana declares emergency as Gustav nears

[AirmensMom]

Residents prepare for the worst on cusp of Katrina's third anniversary



NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Wednesday and activated the National Guard as Tropical Storm Gustav approached the Gulf of Mexico.

The storm could crash ashore on the Gulf Coast sometime over the Labor Day weekend as a perilous Category 3 hurricane, though forecasters caution it's difficult to predict the storm's path this early.

*snip*

We know it's going to head into the Gulf. After that, we're not sure where it's heading," said Rebecca Waddington, a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center. "For that reason, everyone in the Gulf needs to be monitoring the storm."

City officials were taking no chances, and drawing plans of how to evacuate the city if necessary. New Orleans plans to institute a mandatory evacuation order should a Category 3 or stronger hurricane be within 60 hours of the city. Mayor Ray Nagin left the Democratic National Convention in Denver to help the city prepare.

Unlike Katrina, there will be no massive shelter at the Superdome, a plan designed to encourage residents to leave. Instead, the state has arranged for buses and trains to take people to safety.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26425142/

[ben_meyers]

1. Ray Nagin! Is he still around?

He's probably heading home to pack so he can ride the storm out...in Huston again!

Looks like Jindal doesn't want to be another Blanco, at least he learned a lesson.

[AirmensMom]

2. I guess so.

I just hope it turns out better this time. :scared:

[valerief]

3. In FEMA-World, that means nothing. nt