Karen Carlson, anchor for WWL, pours herself a cold one.
any wonder they were relaxed for the storm.
Weapons check at the shelter!
Superdome opens as refuge to all residents from 3 to 5 p.m.
Mayor Ray Nagin announced at 2:30 p.m. that the Superdome will be opened as a refuge of last resort for New Orleans residents needing shelter, but only for two hours this afternoon.
People will be transported to the Superdome between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. from seven pick-up locations -- public schools -- around the city. Only the elderly and families with children should use this option, Nagin said, but he didn't say that others would be turned away.
Nagin warned that there is no parking available at the Superdome, as the lots there are being used for storage of a variety of emergency equipment and vehicles.
Evacuees will be prohibited from entering with alcohol, weapons and pets, he said, and must bring their own food, water, and other supplies. Ice chests can be no larger than 32 quarts, he said.
The Superdome is expected to be used for 24 hours, and evacuees will be returned to the pick-up points when it closes.
Nagin said he delayed an announcement on opening the Superdome as a refuge to allow completion of the regular evacuation process, and to get streets cleared.
The following schools:
Medard Nelson Elementary School, 3121 St. Bernard Ave. ( in the 7th Ward)
Marion Abramson High School, 5552 Reed Blvd. (in eastern New Orleans)
McDonogh No. 35 High School, 1331 Kerlerec St. (in Treme)
O. Perry Walker High School, 2832 General Meyer Ave. (Algiers)
L.B. Landry Middle School, 1700 DeArmas St. (Algiers)
Walter Cohen High School, 3520 Dryades St. (Uptown)
Laurel Elementary School, 820 Jackson Ave. (Uptown)