Gustav evacuations !!

My GTD Manquehue cable system gets the US version of Fox News (we also get CNN Espanol), and the top stories this Saturday afternoon are typical: McCain's running mate selection, the upcoming Republican convention, continued reaction to Obama's acceptance speech, etc. And the possible landfall of Gustav in the Gulf coast early next week. The reporter on the scene at the Superdome reported that people are lining up to board buses bound for Shreveport & Memphis. I don't know if you can be picky as an evacuee whose transport is being paid by the gov't, but I for one would search for that bus to Memphis (or, if it existed, one to say Pensacola or Columbus GA). Depending on (1) the eastern extent of the landfall, (2) how far inland Gustav gets before the expected slower westward motion, and (3) its intensity at and after landfall, Shreveport could see quite a bit of action!

Regardless, it's good to see people taking precautions, and while psychologically I hope the efforts end up necessary (to avoid the 'cry wolf' mentality that plagued N.O. between Hurricanes Betsy in '65 and Katrina in '05), it's definitely better if the city doesn't end up flooded and people evacuated "for no reason"!