New Orleans Gustav Evacuation

As Hurricane Gustav headed towards Cuba, residents of New Orleans began to evacuate its low-lying areas. Gustav peaked at a dangerous Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 145 mph.¹ After decreasing to a Category 2, the hurricane hit the U.S. on Monday, September 1, 2008, making landfall near Cocodrie, Louisiana, at 10:30 a.m. EST.²

Fast Facts

Category 2 hurricane²

110 mph winds²

New Orleans fell within the predicted "5-day cone" ranging from Texas to Florida³

Landfall made Monday, September 1, 2008²

Peak: Category 4 hurricane³

Storm has killed 78 people in the Caribbean⁴

Of the 30,000 estimated who would need help during an evacuation, only 7,000 people have signed up³

Quote

"This is a serious storm. This could be a major storm. We anticipate it being in the southern Gulf in the next few days. We have to take it seriously. They should update their evacuation plan. They should fuel their vehicles in anticipation of any future evacuation. They should today make sure they've got enough food and water on hand for a three-day period."³—Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal

The Mahalo Top 7

CNN: Water Clears Levees As Gustav Makes Louisiana Landfall (September 1, 2008)
NPR: Hurricane Gustav Makes Landfall On La. Coast (September 1, 2008)
CBS News: Category 3 Gustav Aims For Gulf Coast... (August 30, 2008)
USAToday: Gulf Coast prepares as Gustav swells to Category 4 (August 30, 2008)
Chicago Tribune: Illinois sends helicopter, crew to aid Gustav efforts (August 30, 2008)
Reuters: Hundreds line up to leave New Orleans before Gustav (August 30, 2008)
BBC NEWS: In pictures: Hurricane Gustav