Hurricane Katrina Live Thread, Part VIII

Category	Wind Speed	Barometric Pressure	Storm Surge	Damage Potential
Tropical Depression	< 39 mph < 34 kts			Minimal
Tropical Storm	39 - 73 mph 34 - 63 kts			Minimal
Hurricane 1 (Weak)	74 - 95 mph 64 - 82 kts	28.94" or more 980.02 mb or more	4.0' - 5.0' 1.2 m - 1.5 m	Minimal damage to vegetation
Hurricane 2 (Moderate)	96 - 110 mph 83 - 95 kts	28.50" - 28.93" 965.12 mb - 979.68 mb	6.0' - 8.0' 1.8 m - 2.4 m	Moderate damage to houses
Hurricane 3 (Strong)	111 - 130 mph 96 - 112 kts	27.91" - 28.49" 945.14 mb - 964.78 mb	9.0' - 12.0' 2.7 m - 3.7 m	Extensive damage to small buildings
Hurricane 4 (Very strong)	131 - 155 mph 113 - 135 kts	27.17" - 27.90" 920.08 mb - 944.80 mb	13.0' - 18.0' 3.9 m - 5.5 m	Extreme structural damage
Hurricane 5 (Devastating)	Greater than 155 mph Greater than 135 kts	Less than 27.17" Less than 920.08 mb	Greater than 18.0' Greater than 5.5m	Catastrophic building failures possible

9000 people would require just over 200 buses. Between the transit authority and the schools, that would be tough but doable. The hard part would be forcing people to leave with just the clothes on their backs as school and transit buses have no luggage space.

2,321 posted on 08/29/2005 8:41:16 AM PDT by cyclotic (Cub Scouts-Teach 'em young to be men, and politically incorrect in the process)

Think big, please. We're facing "a catstrophe of biblical proportions."

2,322 posted on 08/29/2005 8:41:17 AM PDT by Fester Chugabrew

Katrina Punctures Superdome Roof as It Shelters City's Poor and Frail

By Mary Foster Associated Press Writer

Published: Aug 29, 2005 NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Hurricane Katrina ripped two holes in the curved roof of the Louisiana Superdome, letting in rain as thousands of storm refugees huddled inside Monday.

Superdome and government emergency officials stressed that they did not expect the huge roof to fail because of the relatively small breaches, each about 15 to 20 feet long and 4 to 5 feet wide.

The holes were in an area of vents some 19 stories above the arena floor.

"We think the wind somehow got into the vents and got between the roof's (waterproof) membrane and the aluminum ceiling tiles," said Doug Thornton, regional manager of the company that manages the huge arena.

The dome was filled with the sound of metal rattling, which Thornton said was produced by the metal ceiling tiles.

"I could have stayed at home and watched my roof blow off," said one of the refugees, Harald Johnson, 43. "Instead, I came down here and watched the Superdome roof blow off. It's no big deal; getting wet is not like dying."

In addition to the two holes, water was leaking in through many other areas, including elevators and stairwells, as the wind forced water in through any small opening.

Refugees sitting below the tears in the roof were moved across the arena. "We wanted to keep them dry and we also wanted to make sure nothing fell on them," Thornton said.

Aside from the tear in the huge roof, the 77,000-seat steel-framework stadium, home of the NFL's New Orleans Saints, provided few comforts but at least had bathrooms and food donated by charities.

The wind that howled around the dome during the night was not heard in the interior of the building where the refugees were kept.

"Everybody slept last night. They didn't seem to have any problems," said Dr. Kevin Stephens Sr., in charge of the medical shelter in the Superdome. "They slept all over the place."

Power failed in the Superdome around 5 a.m. Monday, triggering groans from the crowd. Emergency generators kicked in, but the backup power runs only reduced lighting, not the air conditioning.

The inside of the Superdome quickly became very hot and muggy, and some floors became wet and very slippery.

"It's not very comfortable now and it's going to get more uncomfortable, but it is safe," Thornton said.

The Superdome opened its doors at noon Sunday, and New Orleans' most frail residents got priority. The stadium is by far the most solid of the Big Easy's 10 refuges for the estimated 100,000 city residents who don't have the means, or strength, to join a mandatory evacuation.

"They hadn't opened up and let us in here, there'd have been a lot of people floating down river tomorrow," said Merrill Rice, 64. "If it's as bad as they say, I know my old house won't stand it."

Residents lined up for blocks, clutching meager belongings and crying children as National Guardsman searched them for guns, knives and drugs.

Then Katrina's rain began, drenching hundreds of people still outside, along with their bags of food and clothing. Eventually, the searches were moved inside to the Superdome floor, where some people wrapped themselves in blankets and tried to sleep.

It was almost 10:30 p.m. before the last person was searched and allowed in. Thornton estimated 8,000 to 9,000 were inside when the doors closed for the 11 p.m. curfew.

More than 600 people with medical needs were inside. "And we sent another 400 to hospitals," said Gen. Ralph Lupin, who commands the 550 National Guard troops in the Dome.

"We've got sick babies, sick old people and everything in between," Stephens said. "We're seen strokes, chest pain, diabetes patients passing out, seizures, people without medicine, people with the wrong medicine. It's been busy."

Thornton worried about how everyone would fare over the next few days.

"We're expecting to be here for the long haul," he said. "We can make things very nice for 75,000 people for four hours. But we aren't set up to really accommodate 8,000 for four days."

Morris Bivens, 53, a painter, came to the dome with his wife, daughter and five granddaughters ranging in age from 1 to 9.

"I had to come," he said. "Not for me. I ride these out all the time. But I knew I couldn't save those children in this one if something happened."

AP-ES-08-29-05 1105EDT

2,323 posted on 08/29/2005 8:41:19 AM PDT by TheOtherOne (I often sacrifice my spelling on the alter of speed™)

2,324 posted on 08/29/2005 8:41:27 AM PDT by cajungirl (no)

Maybe, but I doubt it. Those systems reset after 30-90 seconds to avoid draining the battery. Also, it would be in the undamaged part of the truck.

2,325 posted on 08/29/2005 8:41:28 AM PDT by Spktyr (Overwhelmingly superior firepower and the willingness to use it is the only proven peace solution.)

Typed it wrong, I guess. What is this? These guys are talking like they don't know this is being aired?

2,326 posted on 08/29/2005 8:41:37 AM PDT by Chasaway ("Tonto, we're surrounded." "What do you mean 'we', white man?")

I have some colored makers and I am attempting to recreate the pattern one proplem I am a bit color blind

2,327 posted on 08/29/2005 8:41:46 AM PDT by al baby (Father of the beeber)

To: Steve_Seattle

That is because:

1) It weakened from a Cat 5 to a weak Cat 4/high Cat 3. Since wind damage and storm surge is somewhat exponential to speed, that relatively small drop made a big difference.

2) It went slightly further east than the forecast, about 30+ miles east of the city. It appears that may have been just enough east to reduce the level of storm surge in Lake P. to prevent major overtopping of the levees. Still won't know for sure for a few more hours. However a big breach did occur in the smallest of the 3 bowls that the 3 separate levee systems create in the city, with water to the rooftops. Thankfully that hasn't happened (at least yet) in the much bigger central/western bowl, where downtown is.

2,328 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:01 AM PDT by Diddle E. Squat

Every storm there are people who say in the hours immediately following that it wasn't as bad as forecast. A storm like this, it's probably going to take a good 12-24 hours before the real damage reports start coming in. The storm surge alone sounds like it has been extremely severe. Most reporting stations have been knocked out, so we don't know for sure what top winds are. Andrew was classified a cat4 when it came in... similar wind speeds to Katrina at landfall... it was only upgraded to a cat5 after tha fact. Katrina had lower pressure at landfall than Andrew, and the few reports coming out... it's going to be VERY bad when all is said and done.

2,329 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:04 AM PDT by nwctwx (Everything I need to know, I learned on the Threat Matrix)

To: Types_with_Fist

the Saints main defensive strategy

You mean they HAD one??

2,330 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:13 AM PDT by WKB (A closed mind is a good thing to lose.)

To: Steve_Seattle

mostly low-income people with no way to get out of town.

That goes without saying

2,331 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:18 AM PDT by 1Old Pro

Does NOLA not prepare for these situations, and provide special needs shelters (for the elderly and the sick), as well as transportation to the shelters?

Dang...I mean, Panama City's not perfect, but at least before every storm the local TV and radio stations broadcast repeatedly where the regular and special needs shelters are, and the county (working with the Red Cross) makes sure that there are enough shelters to accommodate those who need them. Also, we've got public and private groups who give free transportation to a shelter to anyone who needs it.

Doesn't NOLA do this?

2,332 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:23 AM PDT by lasisra

I just happened to catch his last show about a week ago. He said he is going to do specials for FOX and would not be anchoring everyday. He would fill in now and then. He is one of my favorites.

2,333 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:23 AM PDT by WestCoastGal (Thank you JR for pulling this limping team across the finish in 9th place)

2,334 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:32 AM PDT by Coldwater Creek ("Over there, Over there, we will be there until it is Over there.")

I'm offended by your reply. Who's going to lecture a 7 year-old on sociology? I think she just said there are a lot of black people in that part of the country. (We live in the North)

2,335 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:41 AM PDT by Trust but Verify (Get over yourselves!)

Not to mention the DU trolls trying their hardest to look moderate while taking their chicken little potshots.

2,336 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:42 AM PDT by kinghorse

Well now the New York Slimes really has an excuse to say WOMEN AND MINORITIES HARDEST HIT!

2,337 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:46 AM PDT by cyborg (I'm having the best day ever.)

ABSOLUTELY CORRECT! This is an oldie but goodie, and unfortunately very appropriate...

A very religous old man lived just downhill of a big dam. One winter, after heavy rains, he got a knock at the door.

When he answered the door, there was a policeman in a raincoat. "I'm here to tell you the dam's in danger of bursting" he said. "If you want to leave, you have time to do so."

"No, thank you." said the old man. "My Lord God will save me."

"Okay," said the Policeman..."suit yourself!" and he left.

The next day, there was a knock on his door. When he answered the door, there was a Fireman dressed in flood-gear...down at the bottom of where his driveway used to be was a boat.

"I'm here to tell you that the dam has burst. It will soon take over your home. Please take some clothes and come with me!" He said.

"No, thank you" said the old man..."I've prayed to my Lord God, and he will save me!!"

The fireman shook his head and said "Suit yourself!!" and he left.

The next day the flood waters had taken over his home and he was stranded on the roof.

Soon, a helicopter came by, and a Rescuer shouted through the open door "Give me your hand!! We'll get you out of here!!!"

"No!!" replied the old man...."My faith in my Lord God will rescue me!!"

"Suit yourself!!" said the Rescuer, and he flew away.

The next day, the old man drowned.

At the pearly gates, he met up the the Almighty. "My Lord God....I have always tried to be a good Christian!!! I prayed and prayed for you to rescue me, and I died anyway!! Why!!???"

The Almight answered in a booming voice: "HEY!!! I SENT YOU A POLICEMAN, A BOAT AND A HELICOPTER!!! WHAT MORE DID YOU WANT!!!??"

2,338 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:48 AM PDT by Hand em their arse

Sorry to all. I know the live thread rules about no graphics; but I could not read with this dang fly on my screen.

2,339 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:54 AM PDT by Calpernia (Breederville.com)

Anyone got links for streaming video/audio?

2,340 posted on 08/29/2005 8:42:59 AM PDT by Smogger

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794