Why the focus only on Florida?

[Cape Verde]

Texas is in the clear for now. But without much of a steering mechanism in place, I wonder how possible it is for Ivan to stall in the Gulf for awhile until conditions change allowing a Texas landfall.

[Guest]

ALL the models point to the panhandle, thus the focus on FL. My understanding (thanks to Chad) is that a storm of this power/intensity creates its own environment. It can ignore the (i don't know the correct words) currents/ull/etc that are supposed to steer it. So Ivan can make his own path. I think everyone in the GOM should be on the lookout. As a side note, I agree with Steph. Politics/economics are not involved in the decision making when LIVES are at stake.
...Jennifer...

[louise_l]

My friends and co-workers here in New Orleans are prepared and keeping a calm and watchful eye on the storm. For now, that's really all we can do. It's really too early to evacuate, for example. No sense in freaking out at this point. I recently went over my hurricane plans and replenished my supplies, and I'm keeping an eye on Ivan, but right now there is no reason for Ivan to otherwise affect my life unless/until he gets closer to Louisiana.

In my opinion the news media might be focusing on Florida because it's full of retirees on fixed incomes, many of whom are new to the area and maybe not too savvy about hurricanes. The news media are doing their best to educate and inform. Also, the past two hurricanes have really depleted Florida's resources and they would be so vulnerable if hit again.

[ExtinctionEvent]

New Orleans being already below sea level, a cat4 or 5 hurricane would be catastrophic to that area. So i can imagine the fragile nerves around the bayou.

[sea oat]

cat 4 or 5 is going to be catastrophic no matter where it hits. just be prepared and get the hell outta dodge if ya need.

[ExtinctionEvent]

Yeah, even more so with a city that is technically under water. Hell you see the major flooding florida had after frances, and they are above sea level. So you can just imagine would a hurricane induced flood would do to new orleans.