It’s a traffic nightmare. Evacuations have begun in the Gulf of
Mexico. Just outside of New Orleans, Interstate 10 and the 55
are seeing massive traffic backing up. Residents are not
waiting around to find out what Hurricane Gustav has in store
for the Gulf Coast. Seven thousand national guardsman have
been dispatched in Louisiana Although Gustav is not expected
to reach landfall until Tuesday morning.Winds at 160 mph are
expected with flooding and rain.
Local officials have asked all tourist to leave. There are
reported mile long lines at the pick up points .An estimated
million people have fled the area with thoughts of what
happened just three years ago when Katrina wreaked havoc
and destruction on New Orleans. On this three year
anniversary many memorial services had to be canceled . The
last seven unidentified victims just buried.
An official evacuation order is not expected until Sunday
evening. Some residents have commented that it seems that
they are better prepared this time. People are stocking up on
groceries and the gas stations have waiting lines. Its better not
to wait until the last minute seems to be the consensus.
Emergency supplies are already en route to New Orleans and
the surrounding areas according to truck drivers in Florida and
Mississippi carrying the cargo, they are getting in, dropping off
supplies and hoping for quick way back out.
The traffic is backed up and slow all the way to the Florida
state line and into Texas. Hotels and Motels are filling up fast,
so are the RV parking areas and campgrounds. Traffic is
moving but it is slow at this point we are still two days early
and its expected to get worse.
Mass Exit of New Orleans