Thank you for your prayers,Mogirl. It's bad enough to be a 'target' for a storm without hearing so many- especially in the media- positively SALIVATING at the thought of a direct hit and a major disaster.
N.O. is a poor city, and we are not exactly surrounded by metropolises that could absorb our population. For Ivan people went as far as Memphis and Texas and couldn't find hotel rooms. And those were the people who could afford 5-7 days travel and hotel expenses, so many cannot-myself included.
As someone whose ancestors founded this city , I think it's incredible that a million people are just expected to hit the road EVERY time a storm threatens! That just isn't logistically, or financially, feasible.
It's a terrible thing to sit here and think about your life and everything you own being theatened by weather. And there are many who have NO transportation, nowhere to go and no $$ to stay out of town 5 days or more. How many budgets could take a huge road trip, and hotel expenses every month- or more?
So please- when talking about New Orleans- as 'exciting' as weather is to those who simply study these storms- please remember that LIVES are affected by each one, and the fear and helpless feelings are terrible.
VERY WELL SAID!!
When do you say, enough is enough, I'm ain't dodging it anymore because I ain't never been kilt yet?
New Orleans is a sitting duck in the traffic lane. Traffic may avoid it for awhile, but some 18-wheeler isn't going to be so thoughtful.
Your honest assessment of the situation is compelling. Those of us who have been threatened by the storms over and over know exactly what you mean. Keep your chin up. Let us know what you decide to do. You are in our thoughts and prayers.