Ridin' The Storm Out

[dksart]

We are staying, but I'm nervous, even though we now live north of I-12 on the northshore of New Orleans which didn't flood for Katrina.

We used to live in lower St. Bernard Parish (well below sea level) When we evacuated for Katrina, I had just been diagnosed with Celiac and couldn't have prepared for the months we would have to spend away from home without any Gluten-free food. We were happy to have whatever mac 'n cheez or spongy white bread the Red Cross had to give that day. Just try asking for gluten-free MRE's.

Anyone else here going through this huge scary storm? Evacuating or staying put?

I lost everything once, I don't know how I could take that again.

[blueeyedmanda]

I am in PA but I am watching the hurricane coverage....wow is all I can say. Please stay safe, it looks like a bigger storm than Katrina. When is it supposed to hit?

[Lisa]

I hope that all of our members in the Gulf Region remain safe from Gustav. Hitting at a Category 4 (more than Katrina) the storm serge will overtop the levies. Storms like these can move one heck of a lot of water.

I've been through a Category 2 direct hit and it is truly is terrifying. I can't fathom a Cat 4.

dksard, be safe!! (and please consider leaving)

[blueeyedmanda]

I second what Lisa said, please consider leaving. I see all the interstates have been changed so all lanes flow the same direction.....I know leaving your home and belongings cannot be easy...I have never been through something like this.

[ohsotired]

Oh please be careful!! I too, wish you would evacuate, but can imagine how hard that must be to leave everything behind. I just want you to be safe!

[ShayFL]

The majority of hurricanes hit either Florida or Texas. I have lived in FL my whole life and I have lived through quite a few. But make no bones about it, if a Cat. 3 or higher is heading my way, I am leaving. I've got my family and everything else is just "STUFF".

Be safe.

[neesee]

dksart, I sure wish you would reconsider. You and your loved ones are far more important than any possessions you might need to leave behind. Things can be replaced, people can't.

I'll keep you and all the hurricane area in my prayers.

neesee

[Lisa]

They are under manditory evacuation, so I hope she's outta there.

[psawyer]

I'm not sure how far inland the mandatory evacuation zone stretches. If she is north of I-12, then she is at least five miles inland from the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain.

Thinking about you, dksart. Be safe.

[blueeyedmanda]

We keep watching it on Tv. I hope she is safe, whatever choice she made.

[Judyin Philly]

I too am watching out for you

I have 2 dear friends there and have been on the phone with them today

I has mandatory evacuation so has taken the 2 vacation trailers on pecan island and moving then far north.

One is staying on a hill in Layfette

i hope you are gone by now.

if not let us know ok?

be safe.

Judy

[dksart]

Wow, thanks so much for everyone's concern and especially the good thoughts.

We are north of I-12, west of I-59 and are not under mandatory evacuation. Our area is the only section of the parish not ordered to leave. We moved here after the storm because of the safety factor. This neighborhood was one of the only not to flood in south-east Louisiana for Katrina.

We're definitely not staying because of any possessions. If there was only one thing I learned from Katrina, it's that "stuff" is just "stuff."

The latest forecast seems much better for us, we are hardly even in the cone of error. Our daughter is in college in Lafayette, she is staying and that is what is making me nervous now. She's prepared, but just not with me.

I'll keep y'all informed, tried to earlier, but the internet keeps going out.

[Jenny (AZ via TX)]

dkasart,

I've been thinking of you and truly hope this storm misses you. I have many relatives in the NO area and most have evacuated. Please be careful.

[ravenwoodglass]

Thinking of you and the others who have stayed to ride it out. I rode out 2 hurricanes when I lived down south, couldn't have left if I wanted to. It can be really scarey how much power mother nature has. I rode one out in a trailer. We cleared the bedroom leaving only the mattress and then brought in one from another room and 'hid' between them during the worst. Most likely the stupidest thing I ever did as I had never lived in a trailer and didn't realize how fragile they are. We were really lucky and I will never forget that night.

Please stay safe and let us know how you are doing when you are able.

[dksart]

Lots of rain is all, so far. The power keeps going out, so I'm posting quickly.

It seems to have moved a bit closer east than they were predicting last night. Not the best news. My sensitive belly is not taking this well.

It may be a while before I can update y'all. Thanks again and please keep up the positive thoughts, we need them right now!

[dandelionmom]

Keeping you in my thoughts! Stay safe!

[Judyin Philly]

Keep safe.

thanks for letting us know where you actually are

i printed a map so i can keep tabs on my freinds down there.

One is in Lafayette where your daughter is

Judy

[blueeyedmanda]

Thanks for the update- keep us informed when you can.

[oceangirl]

Just a "hello" and "keep safe" from Maine. I've lived through many Nor'easters, one that destroyed my childhood home in 1976, and many other ocean storms. I am in awe and have huge respect for Mother nature! I LOVE New Orleans and hope all will be well, well, well for you and all there!

Anxious to hear!

lisa

[Judyin Philly]

Dkstart

sure hope we hear from you soon!

Trusting your ok but maybe w/o electricity

wishing you the best.

Judy

[lovegrov]

My parents fled Thibodaux, La., which was in or close to the eye, to Memphis, Tenn. Thanks goodness the winds slowed, but it will probably be the end of the week before they can return and find out about their house.

richard

[dksart]

We made it OK! It was scary for a bit, the giant pine trees in the woods behind my house were bending sideways at one point, but most of the worst stuff missed us. Now the rains have passed, but some local lakes are topping over due to the excessive amount of rainfall..... not the storm surge like they were predicting.

We just got power back, it has been out since around noon Monday. Water just came back, too, but it is only trickling out. No sewage for a while, which is not the best thing for this Celiac and her nervous stomach. I think the backup generator was damaged there somehow.

All of the roads around us will be closed through tomorrow or so, so my parents will likely be here a while. They want to go home to check out any damage in St. Bernard. Looks like they will be OK, though.

[blueeyedmanda]

Good to hear from you!!! Glad to hear you are safe, that is nice!!!!

[dksart]

I just heard that people are trying to return from wherever they evacuated to (all roads in to New Orleans, Jefferson and St.Tammany are closed) which is causing severe bottle-necking on I-10. Police are turning everyone around until further notice. Plus, here are no gas stations open and many of these people have driven a long way to try to get back home.

Also, we got power back here, but not the rest of our parish. Some areas are expected to take up to two weeks before they get electricity. We are lucky because we live so close to the NOAA radar station and the airport, those were some of the first places they wanted to restore power to. I cooked spaghetti on my propane BBQ pit last night!

Unfortunately, still no sewage. They are saying we can't flush until they say so.

Our daughter, in Lafayette, got her power back last night and never lost water or sewage at all. They did get a lot of wind damage in the area, but none to her apartment complex.

[ShayFL]

Glad to hear you are safe albeit "not flushing".

We went through that for a spell. Bathroom consisted of a roll of toilet paper and a shovel. Luckily we have a very big and private back yard.