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For the area mayors/officials to be able to declare a mandatory evac, they have to have a place to put people. [Since they don't have a place to put that many people, they are prohibited from making the declaration.]

In other words, they have had years to plan for such a disaster but they never put a plan into place. Did they think that NO is magically exempt from the threat of hurricanes? They can't declare an emergency because they never planned for an emergency...?! I can't imagine such criminal stupidity. I'll shut up now. I'm too angry to say anything constructive.

In other words, they have had years to plan for such a disaster but they never put a plan into place.

Reminds me of what I thought of NYC and the WTC. Never thought it could be hit by an aircraft? Or terror attack even after one attempt? Lack of planning killed a good many firefighters (and others) that day.

The fact they never got around to the "plan" is probably why he needs to talk to the lawyers. There was a story on another forum last night about an elderly woman that had no way out....no car no money, 88 years old. Her neighbors were leaving, but their car was full...no room for her. So sad.

"Did they think that NO is magically exempt..."

Yes, they really do. Literally. And, as I think, when Katrina hits Biloxi instead of NO the superstitious belief deepens. Magically protected from yet another hurricane.

In other words, they have had years to plan for such a disaster but they never put a plan into place.

That's exactly what has happened, they prepared no emergency plan.

Landfall will occur in less than 17 hours, TS force winds and heavy rains will start sooner (9-10 hours). It could be too late for many people to get out, there are over one million people who live there. And a lot of them have not gotten out of bed on a Saturday yet. They should have been ordered to evacuate yesterday at the latest.

Those who cannot get out might get inside a tall solid building (concrete and steel) above the fifth floor inside rooms away from outside windows. Break into a tall office building if you have to.

Did they think that NO is magically exempt from the threat of hurricanes?

Back when Camille hit I was a soph. in HS newly moved to NO from Calif. We were scared and were convinced it would hit the city. Even then, not that many years since Betsy had caused such damage, the people of NO didn't seem to get very excited. Not because they were all partying like the news media makes out but because there isn't much you can do unless you leave 72 hrs in advance. Yes, they know what could happen, but it is probably one of the most difficult cities to evacuate. I think the Mississippi Gulf Coast cities are the only ones that can declare a mandatory evacuation because of what happened with Camille's 220 mph winds when it slammed into Pass Christian. We are in Michigan now but the vast majority of my husband's family is still in the city of New Orleans. I will be praying extra hard at Mass today. I love that city and I am very worried. I don't want anyone to get hurt but I pray it changes course, this could be a major nightmare.