Trip-tus Interruptus

Noon

We got word that New Orleans may initiate contraflow tomorrow morning between 4-6am. Once that happens, all flights going into New Orleans will, more than likely, be canceled. So, we've decided to fly back home today. Contraflow is a term used to describe a traffic pattern where all lanes of the Interstate lead out of New Orleans; no cars are allowed to enter New Orleans on the Interstate (I-10 East and I-10 West and the Causeway leading north). Although you could use back roads to get from the airport to our house, we need to get home and get back to our dogs, Chip and Dale, before contraflow is initiated.

So, Gustav ruined our weekend plans after all. We're not going to the game. Steve is going to give his game tickets to his brother. The projected path places Gustav landfall farther west and the computer models agree. If this happens, New Orleans should get tropical storm force winds and rain, conditions that we experience at least once a year.

The city's response to the threat of Gustav has been efficient, though it may be a little bit of an over-reaction. As much of an inconvenience it will be, I'll admit that the city's response is good.

Later, on the plane

There are a lot of American Red Cross workers and National Guardsmen aboard our flight to New Orleans. As we approach New Orleans, I can see traffic on the interstate packed with cars, all headed away from the city.

After landing, we walked by several groups of Federal Marshals, two of which were carrying automatic rifles, inside the airport. That was a little frightening to see. The parking garage was full. People had parked illegally, blocking some of the paths.