http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/NWSTornado/
MYTH:Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage.
FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.
Are you going to be staying up all night?
OK, I'm back home with the latest updates from the Alexandria/Pineville area:
http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
The Rapides Parish School Board will make a decision later tonight about school closings. I'm hoping they close, because it wouldn't be wise if they change their mind mid-day and send the kids home early. I know from previous experience that it'll be a major hassle to contact the parents on short notice and have them either pick up their children at the school or rush home from work to meet the school bus. Better safe than sorry -- let everyone sleep in on a Monday morning if you ask me.
A friend just called and said that his brother-in-law who works as a paramedic for Medflight (the local helicopter ambulance service) was dispatched from Alexandria to New Orleans to help evacuate hospitals there.
Northbound I-49 has light traffic and is moving smoothly.
Hotel parking lots along MacArthur Drive (US 71/US 165) are jam-packed. There are many pickup trucks bearing Louisiana license plates, pulling trailers loaded with personal effects.
Cajun accents are clearly audible at local stores and fast-food restaurants today. These shoppers are most likely evacuees because Alexandria is about 90 miles north of Lafayette where Cajun speech would be more common.
Remember, hotels are sold out in Alexandria and Pineville, and price gouging has already been reported to the police. If you need an emergency shelter, pull off northbound I-49 ahead of time in Avoyelles Parish to see if room is available in Marksville at Paragon Casino Resort.
There's supposedly also a shelter in Bunkie, but I personally would NOT recommend staying outdoors in that town. The chiggers (aka "redbugs") are brutal this summer. I got in a motor vehicle accident in Bunkie two months ago and, in the course of being transported by ambulance to the local hospital, I got about 40 chigger bites on my arms that still haven't faded away after all these weeks despite various forms of medical treatment. Don't risk it!
I'll let you know the next time there's an update.
Thank you, Strategerist. I just got back to the computer. I appreciate your very clear warning.