I guess that would have made an impression on you.
I grew up in NYC and os have no childhood impressions/memories of hurricanes. In fact I was 25 before I every had any real experience, and have sort of been "fascinated" with them since.
Friend of mine from NO just emailed me. She said they are expecting 22 ft storm surge, which is high enough to breach the seawall.
She also said: "The mayor was on one of the local stations and says by tomorrow morning he will issue a mandatory evac orders. It'll be a first."