On Sun, Aug 31, 2008 at 12:15 PM, Robert D. Gardner <rdgard@cox.net> wrote:
> Jim,
>
> What are the chances that New Orleans will have floods again like last
> time?
>
>
Bob,
Forecasting the storm track based on large scale atmospheric conditions is
difficult. Trying to figure out if, when, where, and how all the levees will
react to the storm surge and rain is neigh on to impossible. I wouldn't even
attempt it. Best to get the hell outta areas that are below sea level. If it
doesn't flood, nothing much is lost when you return. If it does, then at
least you are safe.
The stories going around after Katrina were that the flooding which occurred
was predicted some years ago but that prediction was ignored. That is true
to a point. About 10 different hydrological models are run annually on the
New Orleans area. A few years ago, one of them did in fact predict a
scenario like what happened. But none of the others did. Which would you
believe? The one, or the nine? ;-)
If you live below sea level, next to a sea, and are in the path of a
hurricane, that is reason enough to flee. You can't micromanage mother
nature (this part of town will flood - that part won't).
FWIW, I wouldn't live in New Orleans for all the tea in China. Of course, I
wouldn't live a;ong the gulf coast, along the Mississippi or west of the San
Andreas fault either..... ;-)
Cheers!!
Jim
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