Metairie?

[louise_l]

I am an evacuee from Metairie (near the intersection of Cleary and W. Metairie). I'm safe in Alabama right now. My heart is breaking as I see the coverage on T.V. I can't seem to get any information on Metairie. I saw that Kenner was flooded, and heard about the 17th st. levee breach on the Lakeview side.

Does anybody know how bad the flooding is in Metairie? Any news from there? Thanks. My house and everything I own is there - - even my car. I evacuated with a friend, in his car.

Does anybody know anything about when we will be allowed back?

Sorry if this has been discussed. I"m having an awful time battling with dial-up and how slow the board (naturally) is at a time like this.

louise

[cswitwer]

I haven't been able to find any information on the area. However, according to news reports - you may not be able to return for weeks, and that only to fetch what you can and leave again. The city is too damaged. No one knows how long it will take to get electricity and clean water back to the city. Or even if the levee breaks can be fixed so it doesn't keep flooding. You should count on having to be away from home for at least weeks - if not a month or more. Make plans NOW for having to be away from the city for a very, very long time. Make sure you get with FEMA, the Red Cross and your insurance company NOW - so that you can get your basic needs and housing dealt with.

Sadly, people who evacuated will likely have to stay where they are for a long time. Better to be prepared for that now.

[Lori]

Half of Metaire is Flooded. WWLTV.com has weather forums for each Parish. Looking for more specific info now.
God Bless

[cswitwer]

And thank goodness you were wise enough to get out and are safe!

[louise_l]

thanks for the information!!

I agree-- it's not a good idea to go back yet since I've heard I wouldn't have water/sewerage, electricity, food, A/C, cable, or much of anything but rats and snakes swimming in water several feet deep (maybe even in my house, but who knows). I'll wait until they say we can return. Meanwhile, I am staying with a friend and can probably stay here for a while. So, I won't need the Red Cross. Good idea to contact FEMA and Allstate to see if I can get anything started, even before seeing the damage.

louise

[cswitwer]

It is fabulous that you can stay with a friend, but don't be afraid to contact the Red Cross. If you have to stay where you are for a month or longer, you may need help with food, clothing or other things - best to get yourself in contact with them now. Yes, saving those funds for those in more desperate circumstances is admirable - and I absolutely support that. But if you need something - and you might - don't hesitate to ask the Red Cross. They are wonderful, amazing people and they will absolutely do anything they can.

[louise_l]

And thanks, Lori!

cswitwer, thanks. I almost didn't leave. I left for Dennis and felt like I was fooled by the call for a "premature evacuation" that time. So this time, my friend and I were really planning to stay. It didn't look as bad. But then, when the winds began to rise we grabbed a few things, jumped in his car at about 3 AM Sunday morning, and here we are.

Here's what I forgot (so people can add it to their "hurricane preparations" lists"):

I got my important papers, receipts, and so on, but no receipts from previous years which are in separate envelopes on the top shelf of the closet;

I didn't write down the exact model number of things, and I forgot the instruction booklets which have them. I do have photos on a CD.

After lugging them along on 34509876 evacuations, on this ONE evacuation I forgot the family photos.

Take your car! LOL

Thanks

Carole C

[Lori]

Quotes from WWBLT.com forum:


"Atherton and Metairie Road (highest ground) ok"

"South I-10 (from vets to W. Metairie) there is water knee high...nothing( ormaybe a few inches) of water inside the houses...minor wind damage from trees...I hope it's true, and it helps"

[Lori]

Also contact the Red Cross as soon as possible. You may be able to get a voucher (prepaid Visa Card) to buy clothes, medicines, and other needs.

[louise_l]

Yes that DOES help! I am between vets and W. Metairie.

I just read at wwltv.com that they are expecting 15 more feet of water in the area due to the broken levee. It sounds like my house is all right at present, but may be 15 ft under water soon.

Thanks again, Lori.

Carole C

[wx247]

Not to contradict what has been said earlier, but I was watching a stream from WDSU earlier and they were showing many parts of Metarie and Kenner underwater. I don't know the local geography well enough to know anything more specific than that.

[louise_l]

Thanks, wx247. I know some parts of Metairie and Kenner got hit pretty hard.

Sounds like my house may have only minimal flooding now, but by the time I am allowed to return, it may be under 15 feet of water. And my car is sitting right there in the driveway.

Anyway, I appreciate all who took the time and trouble to answer my post.

louise

[Recurve]

In another thread I posted what the parish president said.

Metairie Road is was above water this afternoon. Water reached 3-5 feet deep.

Residents will be allowed back next monday, but only if they have ID and only to retrieve important items, then will have to leave and not be allowed back for 1 month.

Of course this can change, it was the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Hope that helps.