people get ready, there's a train a-coming
Just as we’re shaking off the recent brush with Fay, now we’ve got a much bigger problem to worry about. Gustav.
I’m hoping this one will be like that other big Russian dude, Ivan, who raised a bead on us only to weave east (or west, can't remember) and leave New Orleans unscathed. Usually it’s the floozies who nail us (Betsy, Camille, Cindy, Rita and the one whose name I refuse to utter), and the dudes who leave us alone. Let’s hope that tradition stays in place. But we sure as shit can’t afford to bet on it.
The reality is that this thing could hit anywhere from South Texas to the Florida panhandle. Probably won’t hit us. Odds are against it. But I’ve heard that one before. At the moment it’s certainly pointed at us, and shows all signs of strengthening into a Cat 3 or better, so this is a problem.
For our friends from elsewhere, don’t worry about our little family. We’ve already booked a hotel up north, the van’s in good shape and gassed up, and we are busily getting all our ducks in a row on the homefront to minimize damage and help our friends. Moving all these animals will be a problem, but it’s a challenge we are up for.
For our friends in town – please take this very seriously. Don’t wait for the alarm to sound before you try to book a room. I suspect they are rapidly filling up, and it truly sucks to be driving around the country with no place to stop. Been there, done that. Not recommended. Especially if you have kids.
Weather links to watch:
National Hurricane Center’s 5 day track:
The always helpful and informative Dr. Jeff Masters blog:
Here’s something to piss you off:
http://humidcity.com/2008/08/26/hey-phil
And some eerie irony from a certain other parallel timeline:
Would like to see how the “response timeline” matches up this time around, if the worst does indeed happen.
Hey jdquintette – whatever happened to your 100 year storm theory? I thought this was supposed to be impossible. Just kidding, dude. Stay safe.
This may be my last blog entry for a while, though I will try to respond to comments as time allows. Don’t get your feelings hurt if I don’t, though – we have a lot of getting ready to do.
As always, hopefully all the storm preparations will be for nothing.
For whomever this thing may land on, from Mexico to Florida, my heart goes out to you.
Later, gators,
Louie
*
The Sound of Building Coffins will be released by The Toby Press in March 2009.
I suppose I had to know that living in New Orleans would come to this eventually.
Book something, anything you can get. Worry about the animals later. Make sure you have a roof for yourself, you might be able to sneak the animals in (many people do during evacuations) or you will be able to find a kennel.
Now that that's taken care of, you get to hope you don't need to actually use it.
Honestly, I think this will miss us. But I don't take chances anymore.
As before, we have every finger crossed for you and yours, and for N.O.'s people in general. I hope Gustav weakens and veers off.
My thoughts exactly. You've seen this, I assume?: http://al-zorra.livejournal.com/357
I am grateful to the person who posted it on their blog. With so many trying to bury or hide the reality of New Orleans, it's very nice when people make an attempt to get the truth out there. There is not nearly enough of that.
Good you're prepared. Just hope everyone else gets a decent incase plan.
Thank you, my dear friend.
Thanks for the good wishes!