Keeping the storm in perspective...

[Florida_TSR]

I couldn't agree more. Plus NO is below sea level. This is why this developing situation is so terrible.

[CFL]

This is a very interesting thread, and I think both schools of thought have their merit. One interesting thing that I think will happen is a slow migration of coastal residents permanently relocating. We are in the process of doing this now because we simply can't take the anxiety of the storms any longer. I did not realize prior to Ivan just how emotionally and financially exhausting it would be to recover from Ivan. Our local newspaper actually ran a story about how many people are leaving the area now. It's not a major exodus, but I anticipate more people in the coastal areas will begin to reconsider their choices.

[3rdEyeOutFlow]

Ya know CFL, it is funny you should mention that. In the last few days I also have heard that same sentiment. I also would like to defend NEXTRAD's post if I may, especially after jumping on it (the post) like I did. I think possibly the "spirit" of the post was to be up-lifting. In the hopes of trying to help people deal with the obvious emotional burden associated with a possible impending disaster, Jay's comments were intended to remind everyone just how resiliant and strong we, as a nation and as a people are. Having said that, maybe the choice of wording wasn't exactly steller, and I couldn't stand up and jump for Joy and call it the greatist post of the day, but I do applaud the effort. Hope I didn't speak out of turn.

[jimbo]

its your house....you get to choose an f5 tornado or ne eyewall.

GO.

talk about your no win, but the F5 would certainly take the roof off and a tad more to boot................The saving grace of canes is you at least have SOME warning.................

[timeflow]

What a week will do. I remember reading this thread "way back" on the 27th. Sorry for dredging this up again, but it seemed like it deserved a little hindsight. The current reality sure puts things into perspective. Even 7 days after landfall it is impossible to have enough of a sense of the sheer magnitude of the disaster that has obliterated or drowned some 96,000 square miles... along with all those souls who unfortunately didn't have enough of a sense of the urgency or the means to evacuate.

[Recurve]

<Sigh>

When Katrina turned north, I did still expect — hope— that all would be well, I'd be on St. Charles Ave. for Mardi Gras 2006, riding in the Tucks parade.

I still think somehow we will be there in 2006, in some way...

The start of this thread was a perfect encapsulation of "it won't be that bad" optimism. Now we have the "this will change everything" reality.

[Windy]

No kidding. Guess the "experts" weren't so crazy after all.