Archive for August 31st, 2008

Gustav Is On Its Way

Gustav is on its way. Be prepared.

Here’s the latest:

According to KALB, it appears as if Gustav will make landfall as either a strong Cat 2 or a borderline Cat 3. This is a serious storm, and no doubt, it will do some serious damage. For those of us in Alexandria, here’s what you need to know:

It looks like Gustav will make landfall in between Houma and Lafayette. It should start raining here around noon, but we won’t be experiencing the hurricane (which, by then, should be a Cat 2) until after the sun has set.

And it will probably be with us throughout the night and into the early morning hours.

So be prepared for a night (and a morning) without electricity.

Stay safe.

Gustav: Sandbag Information; Storm Projections

I just got off the phone with Ken Juneau, who is serving as the PIO for the City of Alexandria and the Sheriff’s Department during Gustav.

Right now, we’re anticipating between 5 and 10 inches of rain in most places and 20 inches in some places.

Remember, though, this information is based off of models that are already old, so things can and probably will change. Gustav is moving really fast right now, and it could hit as early as Monday morning.

Be prepared for the rain, and be prepared for 8 hours of 75 mph winds and 2-3 hours of 110 mph winds.

Alexandria is no longer focused on accommodating evacuees. We’re focused on preparing our own residents.

If you need sandbags, you may pick them up at the following locations. (Note: You’re going to have to bag your own):

Bringhurst Park (in the rear)

Johnny Downs

Cheatham Park/ Jones Street

Civitan on Prescott

Frank O. Hunter

Alexandria City Compound: For the elderly and disabled only; they will bag your sandbags for you.

All locations are currently open and will remain open until they run out of sand.

At some point, they will set up a single line for you to call in case of emergency.

Gustav Alerts

For information on traffic. including road closures and live webcam footage, click here.

For local updates, stay tuned to Channel 4 (Government Access).

Shelters in Alexandria

The Rapides Parish Coliseum

LSUA

8100 Highway 71 South

Alexandria, LA