The actual story from WWL-TV:
Slidell suffers extensive flood damage; Mandeville, Covington wind damage, power loss
09:45 PM CDT on Monday, August 29, 2005
WWLTV.com
Northshore Bureau Chief Mike Ross says information from the Northshore has been sparse because there is no communication available from that side of the Lake.
He emphasized that no residents are being allowed back in to St. Tammany and anyone attempting to return is being stopped by law enforcement.
He said a handful of angry residents were seen at most exits – unhappy that they couldn’t go home.
St. Tammany Parish officials asked those reading about the situation on the Internet to warn relatives not to return at this time and no certain time has been set at which they would be allowed back.
The visual inspections of Ross and his photographer Mike Bland showed that Slidell has probably endured massive storm surge damage.
He said Lake Pontchartrain overflowed its banks and had chest-deep water from the Lake to the Old Spanish trail exit.
“You can’t tell where the Lake ends and Slidell begins,” he said.
St. Tammany Parish officials plan to send boats into the area Tuesday to assess the damage and look for survivors.
In Covington and Mandeville, there was extensive wind and tree damage and power was out to every place he went.
Mike Ross said more information would be available Tuesday.
http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/WWL082905ross.86c6840.html
Listened to the mayor just now on the WWL link . . . "many, many reports of bodies floating in the water" . . . and yes, he confirms that the water is still rising . . . 2-block hole in concrete levee - 17th Street Canal is still flowing INTO the city . . . total devastation in St. Bernard . . .
from the net
2451. from slidell sentry news blog
by iljfatt, 8/29/05 23:26 ET
We received the attached e-mail from someone who tried to get to Eden Isle. "This is a broadcast message for those that may have a direct interest in Slidell / Eden Isles or who may know someone connected to the area. I evacuated to my sister's home in Lafayette but decided to attempt a trip to Slidell just after the storm passed. Arrived - Slidell 2pm. I traveled I-10 East to Baton Rouge. Took I-12 towards Slidell. Was stopped at Holden and rerouted to 190. Traveled 190 to Hammond. Was NOT allowed to enter Hammond. Lots of downed trees and power lines. Took I-55 South back to I-12. Took I-12 to Slidell. Turned south on I-10. Made it as far as Hwy 433 - Old Spanish Trail. Many, many trees down on I-12. Railroad tracks impassable on 190. Obvious that wind came out of the north. Some evidence of tornadoes. Power lines down on I-12 in a couple of spots. A dangerous drive! Damage increases steadily as you approach Slidell HOWEVER - EVERY building that I saw was still standing. There was NOT complete devistation i.e. Homestead, FL after Andrew. Lots of roof damage. Many signs down. BUT no buildings taken out! GOOD NEWS! Note to Colin - back of the shop looks okay. Water in lot at Creative Solutions BUT does not appear that water made it to your place. Tried to get to Eden Isles via I-10 first. Lake Pontchartrain's northern shore starts at Old Spanish Trail as of 2pm this afternoon. The autos in the dealerships had water up to their windows - trucks up higher. Estimate - therefore - 3 feet of water at Old Spanish Trail. Cannot get off at this exit! I-10 impassable from Old Sp Trail to lake. Note - at this point - I am about 1 mile from Eden Isles / Oak Harbor exit. Strong west wind pushing the water. Heavy rain. Estimate that this condition will keep water up along I-10 for several hours. One of Newton's boats is in the middle of I-10! Emphasize - ALL buildings that I could see in this area are standing BUT probably have water damage in them i.e. the Chinese Buffet. Wind and rain blowing hard BUT I think that the apartments in Lakeshore East were still standing. Could not see the Anchorage apartments - not because they were gone BUT because I couldn't get a line-of-sight angle on them. I conclude - therefore - that houses in Eden Isles and Oak Harbor are probably wind damaged i.e. shingles off of roofs BUT are STILL standing. Repeat - damage was not as severe as what I expected. Attempted other routes to Eden Isles. Hwy 11 impassable due to downed trees and power lines. Neighborhood on east side of railroad tracks just beyond the Hwy 11 off of I-12 is completely under water. Estimate 3-4 feet of water in those houses. Airport Road - most lighting down but managed to get to 190. Road impassable in both directions due to downed trees. Water in parking lot where Academy Sports is located. Looked like all of the cars in the lot had been compromised. Doors blown off of Best Buy - a looters delight! No power anywhere. No gas or services past Denham Springs. Advise giving Slidell a couple of days to recover before returning. I will attempt another trip tomorrow and give an update. Hope all is well ....."