Got Gustav questions? Ask Times-Picayune hurricane expert Mark Schleifstein

Hey Mark,

Just a thought... If they're going to call you a hurricane expert, you should at least know the definitions of tropical storm, hurricane, etc.

Yesterday you said tropical storm force winds are 45 mph. As an actual meteorologist, I can tell you that it's 39 mph.

Living through a few storms does not make you an expert.

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Yeah, this guy is a regular Nash Roberts.
I get clearer answers from the fog.
This guy should be reporting dumb pet stories.

Expert yeah right.

I remember being told as a child they name hurricanes after women because they can't ever make up there minds.

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The difference between 39 and 45 is not what scares me.

Ever since 1989 when Hurricane Hugo blasted us here in Charleston, I think they are all coming here. Then, between 1999 and 2003, my son was a student at Tulane, which meant that my two cities to watch were Charleston and New Orleans. On the weekend that Katrina hit, my son was in New Orleans visiting friends. On Saturday morning, he did what any right thinking person would do. He went to Domilise's and then left town.

On today's tropical weather outlook, both Charleston and New Orleans look like there is trouble approaching. Thank you for this excellent discussion board to help me keep my PTSD in check.

I evacuated because I was in a low area, but the hundreds of tornadoes were just as devastating, if not more so, than the surge.

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When I left New Orleans to flee from Katrina, I ended up in Lake Charles, and three weeks or so, later had to leave there, because of Rita.

Due to the huge number of people displaced by Katrina, there were absolutely no motel rooms to be had in Louisana. Consequently, I was forced to stay at the Best Western in Magnolia, Arkansas, and that turned out to be a God send. FEMA paid for our room, the restaurant next door gave us a ten percent discount at breakfast, and church groups fed us lunch and dinner.

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Even a broken clock is right twice a day...

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I must be missing something...why the ugly comments? The first comment sounds quite jealous. Another is just plain rude.
Let's talk weather, folks. Grow up.

I'd like to know what to expect in relation to the weak flood walls, as shown in the map on nola.com.

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Thank you "sola123." There are still people who are unable to leave financially. I just received a few calls from friends whose relatives are on fixed incomes and just cannot afford it. I called the "311" number all day yesterday and could not get through. Even if you don't know someone in your living area,neighborhood, please at least let them know about the "311" number to call and register. Reports are that of the 30,000 people in need of the services only 7,000 have registered. It's amazing when we are all in the same drowning waters we are friends but when the waters reside, we go back to being our "true selves." Some lessons are never learned. Self-Reliance. Is the "311" number working?/?////

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I thought the purpose of this blog was to discuss this very dangerous storm that's threathning our Gulf Coast. Therefore, there is no room for the negativity. It's really not time for that. Let's grow up!

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Mark, my family is in St. Martinsville and New Iberia. Given the current track of the hurricane, which looks like it will shoot up through Acadiana rather than through New Orleans, what should St. Martinsville and New Iberia expect?

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I am amazed that are still people in New Orleans living in denial. Having been through numerous hurricanes in florida I know one thing for sure, No expert on hurricanes can predict exactly where this storm will hit. But history tells the story. Katrina, Camile and many others have left untold billions of damage and hundreds of deaths. There is no preparing for this storm. It is time to move people. It is much better to leave and have hope than to stay and become a burden. All of us here in florida send our prayers for all of those in this storms path. If you can afford to leave do it now, if your heart and car has room....take someone who cannot afford to leave with you. If everyone works together no one dies. Stay safe, we need our cajun friends.

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Quit bashing this guy. Do a search of his stories. he is one of the only reporters that "gets it".

Samcook, state website (www.getagameplan.org) says to dial "211" rather than "311". May want to see if that one works. Good luck to all. I'm outta here.

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Don't be so mean, This man is really helping people who has questions or concerns and because some of you are the EXPERTS OR WANNABEES...don't give you the right to ruin it for everyone else...
SUCH IGNORANCE is one reason I would not return to
New Orleans...By the way WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HELP??

GOD BLESS YOU MARK.........

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Hi Mark:

Question: Not a weather type of question but just curious...........

What happens when all of the folks have evacuated to Baton Rouge and others parts of Northern Louisiana and now it seems like the storm will be headed in that direction?? What are the plans for the people then do you know?

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Is it possible to sea travel within the hurricane eye and try escaping at landfall?

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