[Tatze]

Oh man, look at the track. Could be bye bye for NO.

At this point, it would be better if Rita did hit New Orleans. Well, not better for New Orleans, but better for the country. Any extra damage to the New Orleans area would pale in comparison to Cat-5 damage to another city/region of the country.

But it looks highly unlikely that it will hit New Orleans. Batten down and evacuate, Galveston!

[MNJohnnie]

But it looks highly unlikely that it will hit New Orleans. Batten down and evacuate, Galveston

Did you look at the latest Sat imagery? Sure looks farther north then the model

[Tatze]

A good source for all the notable tropical storms (including Katrina), to aid some of the discussion going on here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_notable_tropical_cyclones