La. Gov. declares emergency ahead of hurricane Ida

[JenyEliza]

Here's hoping it's not another Katrina....doesn't appear to be (Ida's only a Cat 2), but it's better to be safe than sorry.

I'm glad to see Gov. Jindal being prepared early. Having just lost our home and most of our stuff in the GA flood zone, my heart and prayers are with the folks in Ida's path.

It's horrible to live through this...but as long as you have your health and your lives, you can rebuild. I hope we don't have others joining us as a result of this storm.

Good move, Gov. Jindal. Don't wait until it's too late.

The Associated Press: La. Gov. declares emergency ahead of hurricane Ida

By BECKY BOHRER (AP) – 41 minutes ago

NEW ORLEANS — Hurricane Ida, the first Atlantic hurricane to target the United States this year, plodded Sunday toward the Gulf Coast with 100 mph winds, bringing the threat of flooding and storm surges.

A hurricane watch extended over more than 200 miles of coastline across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Louisiana's governor declared a state of emergency.

Authorities said Ida could make landfall as early as Tuesday morning, although it was forecast to weaken by then. Officials and residents kept a close eye on the Category 2 hurricane as it approached, though there were no immediate plans for evacuations.

At 1 p.m. EST, Ida was located 510 miles south-southeast of the mouth of the Mississippi River and moving northwest near 10 mph. The latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows Ida brushing near Louisiana and Mississippi, then making landfall near Alabama before continuing across north Florida.

Yet many residents took the forecast in stride.

"Even though we're telling everybody to be prepared, my gut tells me it probably won't be that bad," said Steve Arndt, director of Bay Point Marina Co. in Panama City, Fla.

In Louisiana, Gov. Bobby Jindal had declared a state of emergency as a precaution, and the National Guard was on high alert if assistance was needed. New Orleans wasn't included in the hurricane watch.

But officials were encouraging residents to prepare for potential gusts of 60 mph by removing any tree limbs that could damage their homes and securing or bringing in any trash cans, grills, potted plants or patio furniture.

Nearly 1,400 Louisiana residents are still living in federally issued trailers and mobile homes after hurricanes Katrina and Rita; nearly 360 units remained in Mississippi.

"FEMA stresses that those in temporary (housing) units should not take chances," Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesman Andrew Thomas said. "Leave the unit behind and evacuate to a permanent structure that will better withstand tropical weather systems and the associated winds."

Mississippi authorities warned residents to be vigilant. Authorities were monitoring conditions to see whether any evacuations of lower-lying areas or school closures would be necessary.

"It is likely we will at least be hit with strong winds and some flooding in our coastal counties," said Jeff Rent, a spokesman for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Officials "do not want anybody to be caught off guard."

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Womack said forecasts called for tides of 4-7 feet above normal and rainfall totals of 5-7 inches within 24 hours, which could mean flooding along the coasts and along rivers.

Alabama emergency management officials did not immediately respond to phone messages.

In the Florida Panhandle, residents in Bay County and Panama City were being advised to secure boats and prepare for storm surges that could reach 2-3 feet. Heavy rain, wind and possible flooding was also expected.

"You really don't know until it gets close how you're going to be affected by it," said Brad Monroe, Bay County's deputy chief of emergency services.

Ida wasn't expected to pack the wallop seen in 2008 when hurricanes Gustav and Ike pelted the Gulf Coast back-to-back. There have been nine named storms this season, which ends Dec. 1. Ida is only the third hurricane to form, and neither of the others threatened land.

Ida wasn't expected to directly threaten New Orleans, where unflappable fans at the Saints football game seemed unaware a storm was approaching.

"We're used to tropical storms," said David Clements of Chalmette, La. "That's why we have a dome."

Earlier Sunday, Ida's wind and rain whipped palm trees in the Mexican resort city of Cancun. Fishermen tied their boats down, though tourists seemed to regard it as a minor setback.

"It's not what we expected," said Kathleen Weisser, a nurse from Fernley, Nev. "We wanted sun. Instead we have liquid sunshine."

Ron Kaczorowski, of Chicago, said his daughter was forced to move her beach wedding inside because of the storm. He said he had tried to reassure his disappointed daughter that the nasty weather would make her wedding stand out.

"I told her, 'How many people get married in a hurricane?

 

[Mr. H.]

Crude futures up 47 cents. Run for the hills!

 

[WillowTree]

the gulf waters are fairly cool. I don't think this will pack too much of a punch. Hope not.

 

[Polk]

the gulf waters are fairly cool. I don't think this will pack too much of a punch. Hope not.

Seconded.

 

[JenyEliza]

Happily looking forward to December 1 and the end of Hurricane season.

Hopefully with NO major landfalling hurricanes this year.

 

[Mr. H.]

Crude futures up 47 cents. Run for the hills!

Up 84 cents. The closer she gets, the higher it goes...

 

[geauxtohell]

Having gone through Katrina (well up to 24 hours before landfall and then from January 06 on), I hope Jindal is more competent than Blanco if the the worst happens (God forbid).

 

[Mr. H.]

Crude futures up 47 cents. Run for the hills!

Up 84 cents. The closer she gets, the higher it goes...

Now up 95 cents. LAND HO!


Or is that Ida Ho!

 

[dilloduck]

Crude futures up 47 cents. Run for the hills!

Up 84 cents. The closer she gets, the higher it goes...

Now up 95 cents. LAND HO!


Or is that Ida Ho!

gotta love those speculators for jacking the price for us.

 

[Darkwind]

Crude futures up 47 cents. Run for the hills!

Up 84 cents. The closer she gets, the higher it goes...

Now up 95 cents. LAND HO!


Or is that Ida Ho!

LOL


On a serious note. Here is hoping that Nagen's navy is out of the parking lot and ferrying people to high ground this time around.

 

[mdn2000]

Here's hoping it's not another Katrina....doesn't appear to be (Ida's only a Cat 2), but it's better to be safe than sorry.

I'm glad to see Gov. Jindal being prepared early. Having just lost our home and most of our stuff in the GA flood zone, my heart and prayers are with the folks in Ida's path.

It's horrible to live through this...but as long as you have your health and your lives, you can rebuild. I hope we don't have others joining us as a result of this storm.

I am really sorry to hear about your house, I wish I could do something but my problems are huge.

About that link, I looked quickly at it. I hope its nobody from your family, I hope you dont know her.

Those stories kill me, I hate them, it makes me think that the courts are just there to punish the innocent. It sure seems that way to me.

 

[JenyEliza]

Here's hoping it's not another Katrina....doesn't appear to be (Ida's only a Cat 2), but it's better to be safe than sorry.

I'm glad to see Gov. Jindal being prepared early. Having just lost our home and most of our stuff in the GA flood zone, my heart and prayers are with the folks in Ida's path.

It's horrible to live through this...but as long as you have your health and your lives, you can rebuild. I hope we don't have others joining us as a result of this storm.

I am really sorry to hear about your house, I wish I could do something but my problems are huge.

mdn---I'm not soliciting help for my family and I know there are many others on this planet who have it way worse than we do. Maybe even you....so no worries that you can't help us. A hug and encouragement are plenty enough--even if they're just online.

On that note, I wish I could help you too, but obviously am not in a position to do that right now. About all I can do is offer you a cyber-hug and encouragement to keep your head up, keep positive and know that everything happens for a reason. Tough times don't last forever--but the character we build while going through them *does*.

*Thank you so much* for your kind sentiments, though. The last two months have been hard on me and my family, but we're going to end up the stronger for all we've been through. Trust me.

God has and will continue to see us through the tough times. I'm just ready to seen 2009 end and I'm looking forward to 2010. A new decade and a whole new life.

About that link, I looked quickly at it. I hope its nobody from your family, I hope you dont know her.

Those stories kill me, I hate them, it makes me think that the courts are just there to punish the innocent. It sure seems that way to me.

Lori was the 8 year old sister of a childhood friend. We were 12 when she was kidnapped and murdered. It has been a long, difficult journey for Lori's family and friends. Especially her parents--and especially at this time of year. The holidays are *very* difficult for them--even almost 36 years after her murder. A parent never gets over the loss of a child, especially one taken away so cruelly and at such a tender age.

I hate these stories--and Lori's is one of many millions out there. Her family and friends are determined to help ensure that there are no more stories like Lori's in the future.

I am especially determined to make sure that Lori isn't forgotten. Seems once a person is murdered, all attention goes to the killer and the victim is quickly forgotten.

I thank you for having a quick look at the link. Just doing that ensures that Lori hasn't been forgotten.

She was a beautiful little girl, although her sister and I thought she was a PITA at the time. She wanted to be everywhere we were. Now that we're both moms ourselves, we understand the deal with that....at the time we didn't. We were only 12. *sigh*

Again....thanks for remembering Lori during this holiday season. I hope the link wasn't too upsetting to read.

*hug*
Jeny

 

[Claudette]

Ida has been downgraded to a Cat 1. I live in Florida and have been through many hurricanes. Not much you can do except be prepared in your own home.