[Normal4me]

The idea of using the Superdome as a shelter makes me wonder whether it can even stand winds of 175 MPH. Anyone know the wind loads it can withstand?

[Trust but Verify]

This is something we have been discussing in our home this morning. I fear mass casualties in the Superdome. If the structural integrity holds, they will be an island for days or even weeks.

[shield]

The mayor said the SuperDome can stand 200 mh winds.

[spycatcher]

NO ONE SHOULD ASSUME THEY WILL BE SAFE IN THE SUPERDOME WITH 175MPH SUSTAINED WINDS AND GUSTS TO 225MPH!

http://www.wwltv.com/local/stories/wwl092304thanh.1295648.html

"According to Curl, the assumption that the Superdome can withstand hurricane force winds is just that: an assumption. He says more analysis is needed to determine what the Dome can actually withstand because previous wind studies have become somewhat irrelevant since they did not factor in the new high-rise buildings around the Dome. “They create a wind tunnel effect and that needs to be tested. There were initial studies that indicated 130 miles per hour, but we don’t know,” said Curl. He adds that the Dome is not impervious to the same elements other areas would be exposed to."

[blu]

using the Superdome as a shelter

Or as a place to make location of missing easy. The more people you have in one place, the more homes you don't have to search. If this is as bad as Fox is hyping (which is always my clue that the disaster won't be as bad as Fox would like it to be) the Super Dome is the last place I would want to be. Best wishes to all in Katrina's path.