Thought I'd throw this up here today - hopefully Katrina will divert - looks a bit west of target zero now. But if you ever want to read a compelling explanation of what makes New Orleans and the lower Mississippi area so vulnerable, check out the appropriate section in John McPhee's The Control of Nature.
McPhee has always been one of my most favorite reads - and his treatment of the Army Corps of Engineers against the mighty Mississippi is without compare. With McPhee, it doesn't matter if you like fiction over non-fiction - he brings such artistry to his work, you can't tell the difference - except he does his homework, too.
Here's the NYTimes review.
Update: The Doomsday scenario, and it isn't ficiton, it's in the news.
Beautiful city - New Orleans. I have enjoyed my visits there. Katrina is likely to forever change the city as we know it, if any city is left at all. If you live there, GET OUT NOW. Good luck to the Big Easy, you will need it.
Posted by: chuck | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 03:07 PM
This is surreal that a city might be lost under water.
Maybe just maybe it may not hit as hard as they are anticipating in New Orleans.
But all in all, New Orleans, Alabama, MS. you all be careful and stay safe!!
Posted by: just an observer | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 03:29 PM
I never knew that about the Atchafalaya River.
Prehistoric log jam?
Sobering to think Nature could just up and go that way if enough water comes.
This is a link to a good explanation:
http://www2.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/oldriver.htm
Posted by: clintcarter | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 03:44 PM
New Orleans has become a favorite city of mine over the last ten years. I have been for business and for pleasure and hope so badly that this storm diverts. As I live in coastal Texas I hope it doesn't divert that far. If it still stands I will plan a short jaunt just to let her know we care.
Posted by: curiositykillsme | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 03:44 PM
I have to say this, maybe this is nature's way of giving her a good rinsing off, the last 3 times I have been there, I found the aroma (stench) of the city overwhelming. It is very reminiscent of a latrine at a scout camp.
Posted by: sleepy | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 03:55 PM
Because of past media hype I just saw Shepherd Smith interviewing some on Bourbon St who say they are not leaving. They do state they realize the danger and that if it is as bad as predicted, that he will be reading their obituaries but I am not sure what to think. If in NO I would leave for sure but am hoping it will not be as bad as predicted.
Thought it headed west but seems to have headed more straight north of late.
At least Shep knows how to pronounce New Orleans which it seems most do not. Guess we will be hearing that name a great deal over the next few days. Hope all regional rescue teams and utilities are getting ready to go help.
Posted by: Anna | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 04:02 PM
People are still rummaging around! Traffic backed up for miles on I-10 They just showed lots of cars at the waters edge on the Weather Channel.
These people need to see the Camille pictures. HOTELS reduced to a flat slab. A clean slab.
I wonder what they're showing at the Superdome?
GET OUT!!
Posted by: clintcarter | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 04:07 PM
New Orleans is an absolutely wonderful place. If we lose the city to Hurricane Katrina, we'll lose not only an exciting place filled with architecturally beautiful buildings, we'll also lose a lot of history. God save New Orleans!
Posted by: Darleen | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 04:30 PM
This storm is definitely not one of those "not as bad as we thought" storms. Most people in Florida were sadly wrong in thinking this storm was nothing to worry about. Even at its weaker strength it was dangerous.
Posted by: Isabell | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 05:10 PM
Evacuating is just as simple as getting in your car in going. The whole city is frantic and everyone is rushing for gas and supplies. Sometimes you need to drive around for several hours before you can find a gas station with gas for sale. Worst of all is the traffic issue. It isn't just the few miles to get out of the city that are backed up, it is sometimes hundreds of miles long. It is a nightmare and I think that is why some people just stay home.
Posted by: Isabell | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 05:14 PM
Thanks, Dan, for the McPhee suggestion. Another interesting nonfiction-but-reads-like-fiction book: "Isaac's Storm" by Erik Larsen. True story of the 1900 hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas--the science, the politics, the personal stories. Fascinating.
Posted by: petunia | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 05:26 PM
discussion thread for the hurricane
http://www.riehlworldview.com/carnivorous_conservative/2005/08/hurricane_katri_2.html
Posted by: Dan | Sunday, August 28, 2005 at 06:40 PM