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In Gonzales, Louisiana, just southeast of Baton Rouge, we're getting tropical storm force winds and some strong rain. I can hear thunder right now. I've heard a few gusts that were similar to those that I heard during Katrina. At that time, we had pretty steady winds of about 35 mph and gusts to 70 mph. I'd guess that we're getting gusts in the 50 to 60 range today. We've already had more rain than we had during all of Katrina, but my front yard hasn't flooded at all. I'm mostly thankful to have power right now and hope that we'll avoid the outage that we had during Katrina. Being on the east side of the storm isn't good, but I'm far enough east and far enough inland not to be in any danger. Again, those are facts for which I'm thankful. We've had a few tornado warnings in the parish, but none have been close to my home. Right now, we are clear of both watches and warnings. Here's offering best hopes and wishes to those to the west of us.

We are just to the north of you in Prairieville, close to the Bayou Manchac. The main concern is flooding and losing power. The winds don't seem to be too bad. If we can get through the night without losing electricity then I will consider this a minor victory. If not, then I'll power up the generator and at least keep the ice-maker and fan working.

It's good to hear from a neighbor. We're still getting good drainage, and that's the best news of all. The Amite has only risen a foot or so at Port Vincent, and it's far below flood stage.

We are just to the north of you in Prairieville, close to the Bayou Manchac.

I have family in Prairieville. Would you mind pinging me with updates...if you don't lose power?