Gustav makes landfall; FEMA optimistic damage will be limited

September 1, 10:06 AMDenver Weather ExaminerTony Hake

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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.