2 block wide levee breach in New Orleans - Cnn.com

[HurriCat]

Something like this - I don't know how they can close it up. The pressure and weight of that much water pouring through the breach has got to be incredible. Like trying to cover a firehose with a dixie-cup and duct-tape!

[cjrciadt]

80% of NOLA underwater, up to 22 ft in some areas!!!!

[x-y-no]

Has anyone seen a report of what the water level in Lake Ponchartrain is right now?

[Mattie]

One thing to keep in mind - as the Mississippi rises and flood/rain waters drain into Lakes Maurepaus, Pontchatrain, and Bourne, the levels will only rise higher and put additional strain on the remaining levees. As the water pours out from the current breaches, the pressure builds (i.e., running river) and could endanger many other points along the levee system. All the water that is in Slidell will drain and the runoff has to go somewhere.

Just my thoughts - no expert opinion . . . .

[SunnyThoughts]

I caught the end of a report on one of the major news stations a few minutes ago...not sure if it was CNN or FOX...but one of the reporters there in the area said that he was listening to the radio...and that there was ONE way out of New orleans... I wish I could remember street numbers but I cant. I do remember him saying to get to the part of the interstate going to Baton Rouge...that was the only way out. Water was continuing to rise and they wanted anyone that could still get out to do so..that NOBODY was to try and come back in...already a dire situation...and becoming more so by the minute.

[jpigott]

also looks like there has been a lot of rain along the mississippi river further north, which to me would mean its going to start heading south to drain into the gulf. i don't believe the water level in the mississippi river is going to lower anytime soon

[Innotech]

I caught the end of a report on one of the major news stations a few minutes ago...not sure if it was CNN or FOX...but one of the reporters there in the area said that he was listening to the radio...and that there was ONE way out of New orleans... I wish I could remember street numbers but I cant. I do remember him saying to get to the part of the interstate going to Baton Rouge...that was the only way out. Water was continuing to rise and they wanted anyone that could still get out to do so..that NOBODY was to try and come back in...already a dire situation...and becoming more so by the minute.

yes. Take HWY 90 at the Crescent City Conneciton to West Bank, then head west towards BR and Lafayette. Thats very close to the french quarter and Aquarium of the Americas. Hwy 90 comes directly into Southern Lafayette so Im expecting heavier traffic in our city sooner or later.

[Amanzi]

also looks like there has been a lot of rain along the mississippi river further north, which to me would mean its going to start heading south to drain into the gulf. i don't believe the water level in the mississippi river is going to lower anytime soon

This was one of my biggest concerns. Im no engineer, but to me water will look for the lowest point to go!

[Nimbus]

Here is a link to the water level at the west end of the lake.

http://tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov/plotcomp.shtml?station_info=8762482+Bayou+LaBranch%2C+LA

The wind from the west temporarily lowered the level.

[x-y-no]

High-res photo of levee break:

http://forms.belointeractive.com/sharedcontent/datafiles/1125380087252_ORIGINAL_100_0870.jpg

[Rob Beaux]

WWL reports that 3000 pound sandbags will be dropped from military helicpoters to stop the breech