OT: Hurricane Katrina

[Andrew]

As of the last advisory, Hurricane Katrina has been upgraded to a strong Category 5 Tropical Cyclone, with sustained winds of 175mph, gusts >200mph and a minimum central pressure of 907mb.

This is a catastrophic storm, and it is heading directly for New Orleans, LA. New Orleans lies entirely below sea level, and is kept dry with a system of dikes, levies and pumps. The predicted storm surge exceeds 30'. A direct hit will likely turn the city into a contemporary Atlantis.

I just rode out Katrina as a Category 1 storm. We're still cleaning up, and suffering power outages/internet disruptions. Anyone within the potential path of this monster needs to make the appropriate preparations NOW. Anyone in New Orleans should leave RIGHT NOW.