Count me in Xena as long as the power is on I’ll be here.
Schools are closed. City/Parish Government closed. Winds gusting up to 25 mph with some rain. This city is about 30 to 50 miles from the Gulf and is under Tropical Storm warning.Note: I will be happy if just get winds up to 50 mph and some rain (Louisiana style).Federal Government: Post Office seems to be delivering mail.
The Vermillion River is definitely considerably higher than normal -- it still has not recovered from Gustav. A local Coulee (drainage ditch) was almost one third full -- backed up by the Vermillion River... But this Coulee may be able to raise 10 feet or more without any flooding...
Bands of rain from Ike hit the city YESTERDAy morning (Thursday morning).
It is hot and humid. Getting gasoline seems to be okay at local gasoline stations. Most homes still have debris from Gustav stacked in the front yard waiting for pickup.
Many businesses are still open.
I did see people boarding up houses yesterday and today.
There were a number of large trees cut up and waiting to be hauled away -- especially near the Vermillion River.
I did notice that one house had been torn down that I thought looked okay before Gustav.
Very heavy traffic -- it is unclear what conditions will be for the LSU game in Baton Rouge tomorrow...