US Gulf Coast Prepares For Hurricane Katrina’s Brother—Gustav
WDSU is quoting New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin as warning his people that “You need to be scared. You need to be concerned. You need to get your butts moving out of New Orleans right now. This is the storm of the century.”
Gustav’s minimum central pressure was 960mb as of 7am this morning. Gustav is currently a Category 3 hurricane and is expected to strenghten today NOAA reports.
The Texas Air National Guard’s 181st Airlift Squadron has been transporting evacuees from Beaumont, Texas.
FEMA and the Department of Defense have chartered civilian aircraft to transport evacuees from New Orleans to safe destinations.
As of 4pm CDT, Gustav’s maximum sustained winds are still about 115 miles per hour, but its minimum central pressure has dropped to 957mb. Gustav may be poised to strengthen somewhat.
As of 7pm CDT, Gustav’s maximum sustained winds are still about 115 miles per hour, but its minimum central pressure has dropped again to 952mb.
(Update 9/1/2008 12:28pm): Just getting back to this story. It looks like New Orleans is fairing well against Gustav’s onslaught.
Gustav arrived as a Category 2 hurricane. WDSU reports that waves have overtopped a floodwall in the 9th district, but the walls are holding.
Credits:
Image: NOAA
