Gary,
Well I don't see why they are buying everything out in the stores. If Gustav is going to hit they need to leave! Staying when they should have left last time is what got many people killed. I hope people realize that and everyone leaves!

Cindy...Ga.

Sarah Palin – lack of experience to be President? When's the last time the President was a Senator? We need executive leadership, not just lawmakers.

Thank you for posting, Gary.
This is REALLY scary & heartbreaking. All we can do is pray that there isn't a direct hit, or the surge isn't bad. My thoughts & prayers are with NOLA, as always.
Keep rollerblading, Gary, & keep us informed–you do a great job.

I just wanted to comment on the pick of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate. I think it is great. She appears to have a lot of spunk and common sense. I do wonder why the democrats are kicking up so much dust about her not having enough executive/commander in chief experience because she is a governor. If memory serves, they put up a little know governor some years back with no more executive/commander in chief experience and he spent two terms in the White House. They didn't worry about HIS lack of experience. Is it because Sarah Palin is a woman? Or are they just scared that this ticket could win the election?

Life has risks and we make choices to avoid or minimize risks. Nevertheless, despite our efforts some people get hurt – for example having your home struck by lighting or hit by a tornado. These risks are small. Statistically you're about as likely to win the lottery as have you home destroyed in a tornado. We call people who take care to avoid or minimize risks "prudent". Should a tragedy befall them they deserve our help and understanding. Other people ignore risk. Those who live in areas prone to earthquake, floods or hurricanes do so in full knowledge that they will encounter these very destructive forces. Many of these people have experienced the wrath of mother nature yet still insist on living dangerously. We call the people "fools". In this great land you are free to be a fool – just don't come crying to me when your home is underwater or sliding down a hillside – you knew fully well that it was only a matter a time before this would happen. So to you on the Gulf Coast – I'm tired about hearing about the devastation caused by hurricanes – and I'm really tired of my tax dollars going to repair and re-repair what's left of your city ever few years. If you choose to live in a dangerous area fine – but shut-up about it when the inevitable happens!

Gary

If NOLA has to evacuate will you and your crew be evacuating as well until the storm is over and you can get back in safely? I don't need to know that its windy and raining at the expense of your and all the other reporters and crews safety.

Be careful out there.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

God how the time goes, seems like not soo long ago that we were seeing Anderson standing in New Orleans giving us news of the devastation. three years later things still really havent got back to normal, and already they are planning for the worst. My thoughts are with those people and their families, with a bit of luck the storm will move off out to sea.

Is it a coicidence that Southern Decadence 2008 starts tomorrow in
NO? This is a big nasty perverted party that local pastors tried to
get stopped in 2005. (It was scheduled the exact week of Katrina).
The city responded by saying "you make good points but S.D. will bring in $100 million dollars and that takes presidence". We meed the revenue! My question is...How much did Katrina cost?
It's funny (or better) sad that no one seems to put 2 and 2 together.
What are the odds this is a random coincidence?

Call me crazy. I live in St. Mary Parish on the west side of the Atchafalaya River. We're in line for the landfall of Gustav as of the latest tracks. I had a pedicure this morning and haircut yesterday. I'm listening to the LSU game as I write. I figure why stress. I can't control it , cure it, or change it. I am sort of packed. I have all my important papers. I'm leaving for Baton Rouge tomorrow to babysit nieces while my stepsister works as state law enforcement through this thing. And for tonight, I'll probably kick in a movie, cook something amazing, and go to bed early. For now, I have papers to grade, lesson plans to ready for next Th/Fr in case we have school, and that's about it. You can't panic. You can get out of this thing's way, pray for the best, prep for the worst within reason, and move on.

Here's the thing that scares me. We're under mandatory evacuation notice for St. Mary Parish today at 4:00. Better safe than sorry. But if this doesn't cause major damage, everyone leaves, and no one really had to, next time the state and local panic may not be enough to make people pack it up again. And if it is major, Katrina might have been a cake walk. As it is, I'm trying to convince my dad to get out tomorrow with my stepmom and I, and he's not wanting to budge. Thinking I'll have to dognap his Yorkie to make him come.

If Gustav hits New Orleans, it will be the first hurricane to hit New Orleans in well over a decade. WHAT?! Yes. New Orleans did not get sustained hurricane winds from Katrina, it just flooded due to the collapse of the levees. In fact, WWL radio in New Orleans (one of the widest reaching radio stations in the country) which stayed on air during the storm because it was meek there, said on Monday afternoon August 29, 2008, that "New Orleans had dodged the bullet" and that "damage in the city was minimal". THEN the levees broke. The city had been warned for 30 years about the condition of the levees. It seems that everyone overlooks the fact that the Mississippi Gulf Coast had the direct hit from Katrina. It was completely destroyed from wind and water. So, get the story straight, and TELL it like it was. If New Orleans gets a direct hit from Gustav, or if it goes just to the west side of the city, the damage from Katrina will pale in comparison to what will happen there from Gustav.

Hi Gary, Just wanted to let you know my brother and his partner own 2 businesses on Bourbon, Skully'z and Bobby Blue. They are staying! Their house on Royal did not get flooded during Katrina & they are banking on no flooding from Gus. Stop by and give them hugs from their lil' sis, I'll worry. I hope your team is staying, so I can keep an eye on the days ahead. When power and phone are lost I'll be looking to your team for my info and conditions. God Bless you as I keep your team and my family in my prayers.

Gary:

I hope the people of NOLA and the Gulf Coast will be spared this time.

It is understandable if they are fearful and worried this weekend.

A lot are still trying to pick up the pieces from Katrina,3 long years later.

It will be devastating if Gustav comes their way now....they may NEVER be able to recover the second time around,nor afford to.

Thanks for your post.IF the storm does come through,stay safe.

Good to hear people are taking this very seriously. Maybe the evacuation will go more smoothly this time and people will take it upon themselves to get out before there is a crisis. Property can be replaced; lives cannot.

Stay safe Gary,

Prayers for the people of the gulf coast as they brace for the storm.

I saw that you were out at the Encinitas senior center. Next time you're passing through my neck of the woods, take a detour onto the Coast Highway just a few miles south to Cardiff for tacos and tequila at my favorite dive by the beach, Las Olas ("the waves").

If I see you, I'll buy you a drink

When hurricane season is over I'd love for you to come back to the San Diego area to do some reports from here and Tijuana. Illegal immigration is a big issue, but the bigger story is the human trafficking that occurs in the United States.

For now, stay safe. We're praying for the people of the gulf coast.

The GOP(hers) who have dug 'holes' all over our beloved nation get no more space in this comment. My heart goes out to those people who inhabit this special city of New Orleans. I think I'm correct in saying that The French Quarter was left pretty much intact through Katrina...I hope that holds true during Gustav (and hopefully the next in line – Hanna). I pray that the plans are in place for this next horror, and that Ray Nagin will take care of the citizens this time, with places to stay, food to eat, water to drink, medical aid available, post event plans...everything necessary! My cousin was the head of FEMA, during the Cinton administration, and during that time, FEMA was great at taking proper care of everyone, and every event. Hopefully the current FEMA will do a better job than during Katrina. God speed...and God Bless everyone there. And, one last thing...I trust that Anderson, Gary, all of the CNN folks there, are safe. (Anderson, I bet your Mom says LOTS of prayers for you, as you travel all over the world, covering 'the news' for us...so...remember to call your Mom!)

If Gustav devastates New Orleans, and I pray it doesn't, we simply cannot absorb the financial drain again. It will be time to give New Orleans up to the gulf and let it become the marshland that it was created to be.

Gary,

Luckily you always have your trusty Rollerblades with you; it is probably the most convenient form of transportation in New Orleans today.

John McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin was indeed a surprise, but because Gustav seems to be building, it will probably have to take a back seat for at least a few days depending on what happens.

One thing is for certain, Mother Nature can be unpredictable, so it is best to prepare for a worst cast scenario, but it looks like Governor Jindal has done everything he can to prepare for it. Although I worry that there is not a place of last resort for those who may not be able or willing to leave or that simply have no place to go.

Everyone is anxiously anticipating how the Gulf Coast will fare if Gustav should hit land because of what happened during Katrina and the uncertainty over the integrity of the levees. Although it looks like the residents are being evacuated in a timely manner, sadly their homes and properties must remain behind. It makes me think about people like Herbert Gettridge who worked so very hard to rebuild their homes. My thoughts are with them and I wish them all the very best!

Take care,
Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

So strange...sitting here in my daughter’s home just south of Baton Rouge, waiting. I am a Red Cross Volunteer from Western NY. I was a shelter volunteer in Baton Rouge at the City's Convention Center for 3 weeks. I was there for the closing and watched the clients pile their few belongings into buses to be taken to Baker or other trailer parks. Being inside, I had no opportunity to drive into New Orleans. The volunteers that did drive there mostly went to the French Quarter, their once in a lifetime trip I guess. My daughter was living in FL at the time, although my son-in-law was from the Baton Rouge area. One year after Katrina, I drove to FL to visit my family and friends. To me this drive was a once in a life time experience. After leaving FL I drove along the Panhandle and headed toward LA. I drove down Route 12 stopping at every town, my imagination at work; I could almost visualize the devastation of Katrina's wrath. The bare slabs, the number of home owners living in RV's and campers next to what had been their homes, still making their mortgage payments. At times I had to leave the town, find somewhere to park, and cry. There was nothing further I could do for these people. I drove to the 9th ward, crying my way through. My feelings were so overwhelming I could not take a single photo there, I felt intrusive. I talked to people in every town I stopped at, hearing their stories. I drove down the tip of the boot to visit a man that had also been a volunteer at the Convention Center. As soon as the levee work began he left to operate heavy equipment there. I stopped at the only little gas station, small store and lunch area combination. I talked with people there, again, so over whelmed I never made it to my friend’s. My daughter's family moved to La in 2007, back with family. I had the opportunity to come to LA again this year. I had made many lifelong friends following Katrina, volunteers and clients alike. This year one of my friends was going to take a drive with me along the gulf coast again so I could take photo's of three years later. I wanted to add these photos to our Red Cross power point we had put together of Katrina pictures, my one year later and now to photograph 3 years later, the progress and in some places, lack of progress. But that's not going to happen this year. Here we are preparing for the possible effects of another major category 4 hurricane named Gustav. I knew there was a tropical storm brewing in the Caribbean so I brought my Red Cross ID, just in case I was needed. My local Red Cross Chapter has notified the National Red Cross that I am here and available. Still, there is nothing I can do but sit here and wait and pray I am not needed.

In the Katrina disaster, the Veterans Affairs Department Health cAre System did not lose a single patient record becuase of its electronic health record (EHR) system. Other providers without EHRs lost records. How many providers in NOLA are still not using EHRs now? I hope all NOLA providers are using EHRs today!

I find it very intresting that the people in New Orleans can't take care of themselves. I don't like the idea of me paying to take care of them. Are they not smart enough to get out of the storms way by themselves?They are grown adults, why should the US Taxpayer have to do this. I don't like it it makes my stomach turn and I won't ever give another cent to them. Grow up and be a productive citizen, like the rest of America.

A hurricane is nothing to joke about. This just shows what type of people the Democrats are. Please, tell them if New Orleans is devastated by this natural disaster to just stay away it’s not a joke or funny. This has nothing to do with any political party and it is horrible to use it as such. This type of talk just puts a very bad mark on those who would use this type of disaster for a political benefit. If a party can’t make it own their own merits then they are the ones in serious trouble. I am so glad that if it were the other way around the Republicans would not make a horrible comment that God is doing this for their benefit. Don’t they realize this is a slap in the face of those who may be Democrats who will have to contend with this disaster? It sounds like the Big Wigs in the Democratic party feel their backers are dispensable for a cause. HOW HORRIBLE. I would never, ever what to be identified with a party or person who could stoop so low.

I have a comment and i dont think its a very nice one. is New Orleans the ONLY city that is being evacuated?..what about the rest of LA, where the hurricane is expected to do a direct hit? If my info is right, NOLA is expected to have tropical force winds..if that. What happened almost 3 yrs ago?..Hurricane Rita hit and completely devastated this area, in some places, not even a stone or a blade of grass was left. So please, get off the nola trip, i am tired of giving handouts to those people!!

I find it quite interesting that all the major news agencies are talking about Katrina & New Orleans in reference to the impending Hurricane
Gustav, but not one word has been mentioned about the last big hurricane to hit LA-Hurricane Rita. It seems as if that Hurricane Gustav
is headed for a direct hit on Lake Charles, La. Lake Charles received a direct hit from Hurricane Rita. The city was devastated and Cameron. LA, a small town on the Gulf, south of Lake Charles was almost wiped out. It may interesting to hear from the residents who experienced the last hurricane.

My whole family evacuated here to Nashville, Tn when Hurricane Rita hit. Their stories have not been told and should be considering that they were the most recent recipients of a major hurricane to hit the U.S. However, I realize that New Orleans is more newsworthy and a bigger story for the news agencies. I pray that all will be safe from this seemingly extremely dangerous storm.

Appreciate the coverage of Gustav. But after touring the south pacific in natural disaster stricken areas, it is good to see that there are some people willing to work and fix for themselves what we as Americans rely on our government to do for us. Maybe some of our leaders should take a lesson from the playbook of other countries.

Just three years ago the nation witnessed an Act of Nature, egregious failures at all levels of government, and a profoundly shameful time in American history.

What can we identify that indicates we aren’t headed for a similarly tragic episode ?

I was fortunate to spend 9 days working with the NOPD during the days and nights 3 years ago. The never told story was our egregious failure to support the men and women responsible to protect, serve, and maintain order in circumstances guys returning from Iraq called far worse than what that left.

Let’s take care of these public servants this time around wherever Gustav strikes.

To the people of New Orleans (and the rest of Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi): I will pray that Hurricane Gustav is not a repeat of Hurricanes Katrina/Rita. As a former resident of Slidell, Louisiana, my heart and prayers are with the people of the Gulf Coast states.

I was hoping that hurricane Gustav would somehow make a turn and avoid the Gulf area.

I pray that everyone gets out of harm's way.

Dear Anderson,
I have meant to write you numerous times to thank you for the coverage in NOLA. Now, at the eleventh hour, I'm finally doing it....but it is because I'm greatly distressed about a situation unfolding with a neighbor of mine who recently had a stroke and is bed bound. Her family registered her for special transportation, where they would follow in their car and be able to be in the same shelter area as their mother. It is 9:00 pm and they have been packed and ready since 7:30 a.m. The daughter in law just told me that they were told that the large number of ambulances expected for this evacuation ended up being a total of 15. Which absolutely breaks my heart because I work for the protection and advocacy agency in Louisiana, a non-profit agency who has been advocating for appropriate emergency evacuation procedures since Katrina. Things are feeling very rough in my pretty upper middle class neighborhood and I can only imagine what others are going through. If you could look into this issue, you'd be doing an incredible service....which you are already so very good at. Very stressed out, planning to leave if necessary tomorrow. Thanks much- Susan Bushnell

WHY?

Why...do people insist upon making such misguided efforts to rebuild lives in an area that is ALWAYS going to be subject to this type of weather event?

The place is not only coastal and marshy to begin with...IT IS BELOW SEA LEVEL PREDOMINANTLY!

I am thoroughly OPPOSED to the repeated use of federal funds to move these people around. Get out and stay out or cope on your own. People have choices and need to learn to live with them.

It is not like this is a new thing. Katrina did not convince them...chances are high that nothing is going to. I should not get taxed for such ignorance.

Patricia T,

You're right, your comments are not very nice and totally uncessary. Had the present administration provided the help necessary, maybe there wouldn't have been any need to provide additonal support to the people of New Orleans and less peole would have died. In times of national crises, the last thing we should be doing is insulting and degrading others! I pray that most people will join in helping and serving one another rather than being petty and small.

Not that the safety of human beings shouldn't be the governments first priority but doesn't anyone remember the impact that Katrina had on the animals and pets that people were forced to leave behind. The heartbreaking images of animals on leashes and trapped in the flooded areas was so disturbing. Are they really not allowing people to bring their pets with them. There has been no talk about what is being done to help animals that are at the mercy of their owners & the governments decisions, whether they are good or bad?

I just hope after listening to Mayor Nagins report that all people in the storm's path use the means provided to them by their area to evacuate. We have seen what a Flood did to Katrina and Gustav is supposed to have Tropical Force or Hurricane Force Winds at levels 4 to 5 which will also produce flooding. And Mayor Nagin also said there would be no Public Assistance for those who decide not to evacuate, so please evacuate to safety. I know it is very hard to leave your home not knowing when you'll return or to what but being safe is first priority. Our Prayers are with everyone on the Gulf Coast and those who will be affected by Gustav. Gary please take shelter or evacuate your safety also takes priority over providing us information and updates. Be Safe Everyone.

Living in the NOLA area, I feel like throwing up every time I hear about the MaCain/Palin ticket. That is the last thing I want to hear when all they do is throw out 1 little line about the hurricane.

I certainly would be disgusted if they are out there throwing millions of dollars around having a 4 day party while many people are worried about if they're homes are destroyed or not, if they have enough food to last a few more days or how are they going to pay their bills while work is closed due to impending hurricane.

If George W. Bush even shows his face at that convention I'm going to lose all faith in our current govenment. if I had any left to begin with..

Rick Sanchez and CNN, how about a shout out warning to the 100,000 gay revellers in the streets of N.O. for the annual Southern Decadence!

How could all these people be ignored in the media and never be addressed in the news? It is like Spring Break only wilder and the last thing people are thinking about is the weather.

Stronger statements need to made to these folks, who are drunk and tweaked and will be in no condition to leave in the a.m. They need to close the host bars and call a curfew!!!

I have been following the latest developments of hurricane Gustav. The disconcerting part of these reports is the comments from some of the residents of New Orleans. A mandatory evacuation as been issued by the Mayor. The government is supplying transportation and lodging for those that do not have the means to evacuate but yet some are complaining. The residents are asked to register their names before boarding buses, planes and other means of transportation in order to have accountability. Some residents want to complain about the procedures and tactics of public assistance they are receiving. It is a time of action not reaction and still a select few insist on being ungrateful even though they are provided more than required. Finally, to those that are grateful for the assistance, may your travels be without incident and your return home the same.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our fellow americans threatened by Gustav. Please be safe.

New Orleans is a historical city and one of the most famous cities in the nation my prayers go out to all the people in that city. God Bless!

gas will be what 6 bucks a gallong on mon everybody better fill up tom..

Brian (previous poster),
Please realize that New Orleans is a far different city, more different than any in the US. For alot of people there, it isn't as easy as to just pack and leave or hop on an evac bus or get in their car. Louisiana as a whole is a rather poor state especially New Orleans. Median incomes are far below average and yes for alot, "making by" is all they have. Alot don't have vehicles point blank or the resources or the muscle in their heart to leave. Also did you know 94% of people in Louisiana ARE from Louisiana...easily the highest percentage in the country? Family is all they have. So the earth they walk on, the people, the fellow New Orleaneans that they are surrounded by everyday, the sights, the sounds, the aromas....all that IS family. Leaving all of that, their family is simply too hard to do.

I truly believe it is devine intervention that brings Gustav to Lousiana on the very first day of the RNC. It will be a stark and real reminder that the Republican administration did and has done nothing to shore up New Orleans. President Bush says he will monitor the situation from the White House? Here's a thought. How about President Bush immediately order Air Force One and Two to make ongoing, round trips to Louis Armstrong airport to evacuate the elderly, disabled or poor to the White House as a shelter?

So sad today...

In response to that idiotic post by Brian, No one tells teh people of Florida to leave Fla. permanently and they get hit by several hurricanes YEARLY!!!! Go Take your ignorance somewhere else.

I hope the best for the people of the gulf coast, In
Arizona we have what is called a stupid motorist
law where if you drive into a flooded wash that is marked with warning signs and become endangered you are required to pay for the cost of the rescue personnel and equipment to get you out. i feel this should be the same situation for people that decide to live in flood plains or below sea level in hurricaine areas. American taxpayers should not keep footing the bill.

The biggest question is why are the people of New Orleans being allowed to build below sea level once again? I guess they figure that they were bailed out from Katrina and the US will do it again. It is rediculous that our tax dollars goes to pay for such careless foolishness.

How odd, I didn't read any negative comments made about the mid-west flood victims. But now I'm reading some really hateful statements about the victims of the Katrina. I made a donation to the victims of the Katrina, the mid-western flood victims, and I will continue to support those who are affected by such horrible calamity. It is our responsibility to help those who are affected or displaced by major catastrophic events. My God, some of you need prayer.

I agree, no one ever says to California Residents why live in California when they have earthquakes (I grew up there so I know first hand), no one asks why Florida residents rebuild, why people in the Midwest live when tornadoes are common there.

Many residents who own their own homes, rebuild with insurance money if that!!! I know I didn't get any road home money or anything like that.

I didn't get on a bus provided by the state but some needed to. We should be thinking of lives not money.

If a dangerous intersection causes fatalities due to wrecks, they add a street light? People of New Orleans and southeast Louisiana aren't asking for a handout. They are asking for what if fair.

The government knew the levees would breech. They had test done a few years prior to Katrina and did nothing about it.

Why haven't people rebuilt higher?? Because they are STILL fighting with insurance companies for their money.

We help every country out on the world, but we can not fix levees that were built 100 years ago!!!

P.S if it were not for Southeast Louisiana, you wouldn't have electricity to run your computer right now!!!!

Prayers from here in Canada for the people down on the gulf coast as they prep for the storm .

It’s unfortunate the people of New Orleans are getting ready to experience this horrible and inhuman situation once more. As a republican and a Christian, I just can’t seem to filter out the thought that God is trying to tell us something here. Last week, the DNC convention went through with no threat anywhere in site, they even had the perfect weather on Thurs to display that major spectacle. It’s so strange to me that all of sudden a devastating hurricane, which could be one of the worst, if not the worst, is bearing down on a city, not any city, a city that’s still recovering 3 years exact to date. This horrible disaster is predict to happen the same day the RNC is scheduled to start and not to mention there is another hurricane brewing in the Atlantic as we speak, possibly heading to Florida as a backup.
Now, I need all you to take a minute and really think this through, I am not sure what exactly God is trying to tell us, I feel we need to take a minute to really listen…..

On the topic of Sarah Palin's experience....this is a key concern because of how likely it is that she could have to take over as president. It doesn't make sense to compare Palin and Obama in terms of experience. Obama has spent the last 19 months making his case to the American people and demonstrating his command of the issues. In the last 19 months, he has brilliantly managed a massive operation (counts as executive experience in my book), beaten the powerful Clinton machine and inspired millions of Americans. This campaign has tested him and proven his leadership at a national level. And Sarah Palin? Americans have known her since Friday.

To the person from Texas complaining about the Dems making comments about the hurricane ruining the GOP convention....It was just a three short years ago when VERY PROMINET GOP party religious fanatics said Katrina hit NO because of they are tolerant of gays. I think what you said is the pot attempting to call the kettle black. Get over yourself and go worship Palin, her nails on the chalk board voice will sink her with everyone, she shrieks. She is just as corrupt as the rest of your party, imagine, the GOP picks a winner!

How horrible for the residents of Louisiana to have to go through this again. Per Tom's comments above it is eerie that this is happening during the RNC.

I must say after listening to the Republican leaders today I did not feel a since of REAL compassion coming from the Republican speakers but rather a tone of "we have no choice but to respond this way in order to secure some political gain from it". I pray this is not the case. My heart is with those who once again have to endure this sufferage.