Hurricane Gustav makes landfall in this satellite image. Click
the image for a larger version.
After initially being hit with category 3 level winds, the Gulf Coast has now officially seen landfall of Hurricane Gustav. Landfall occurred at 8:30am MDT near Cocodrie, LA as a category 2 storm with 110 mph winds. Hurricane hunter aircraft measured 95 mph winds so there is optimism that the Gulf Coast will escape Gustav with much lower damage than had been envisioned.
Gustav continues to move northwest at 15 mph with hurricane force winds extending out 70 miles. Severe rain, storm surge and tornadoes continue to present significant danger for much of the Gulf Coast area.
Satellite / radar composite image of Gustav as it makes landfall.
Click for later image.
Damage reports are rolling in and FEMA officials have said they are "cautiously optimistic" that damage from the storm will be limited. News video is showing water topping the Upper 9th Ward levees and the Industrial Canal however the levees themselves are holding. Trees in downtown were downed and U.S. Highway 90 in Gulfport, MS had storm surge across it. Despite some impressive images, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reported no major problems.
Comments
We flew by small airplane into Shreveport, LA years ago ahead of a thunderstorm loaded with rain. After being on the ground only about an hour the city soon became flooded very quickly. We had water lapping at our first floor hotel room door and had to put towels up against it to soak up the water before it seeped into our room. When we tried to go eat at a popular mexican restaurant in the middle of town, the taxi driver had to take alternate routes through the city because of flooding.
And this was all after one thunderstorm. Can't imagine what it's like there with a hurricane blowing through. Keeping my fingers crossed and prayers for them!
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