Gustav news here (New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette: house, campgrounds, assess)

[cla]

It looks like if my family wants to get to Houston, they either must leave well before contraflow or get on Airline hiway from BR to Beaumont. When we evacuated for Katrina only the SE contraflow plan was in effect. For Gustav, it looks like both contraflows will be in place.

Thanks

[Drouzin]

No prob; I they aren't starting contraflow until early Sun. so if they get out today, (traffic is already thick), they should be able to use the highway. You know I back for Ivan I used Airline and it really wasn't that bad; don't know what it looks like today though.

[darylwi]

Traffic is heavy westbound through BTR today, but it's moving fine so far. I was out in it an hour ago and I'm watching the traffic cams and weather probably throughout the day along with some LSU football.
I imagine Lafayette traffic would be heading north on 49. If not, shame on DOTD and the state for letting them come east.
If you go today, shouldn't be a problem getting to Houston/Texas. Best of luck.

[MidCityBrady]

This map is neat because it offers step by step Contraflow directions depending on which way you're going. Contraflow Evacuation Maps - New Orleans, Louisiana

[LiveLoveLaugh]

It was just announced that Gustav is now a cat 4. PLEASE STAY SAFE. Good luck to all of you affected. My thoughts and prayers are w/ you.

[buildings_and_bridges]

Mandatory evacuations in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Charles and lower Jefferson parishes - Hurricane Gustav News and Storm Tracking - NOLA.com

"Mandatory evacuations in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. charles, and lower Jefferson Parishes"

[Sam I Am]

Please, please - if you are under a mandatory evac, please take your pets with you as you head to higher ground. No one can forget the heartbreak with Katrina. Many pets from Katrina are still in shelters or went to rescues across the nation. Pack enough dog food and extra water for them - you don't need to try people food due to stomach problems. Make sure all have on a collar with tags - even a rabies tag can give a clue.

Holiday Inn in Arkansas was reporting this morning that the closest rooms were in Bryant, just southwest of Little Rock. Holiday Inn in Camden had a few rooms but not many.

[g-man430]

Be safe out there guys. I also agree with Sam I Am. If you are under mandatory evacuation order leave the city now.

[Jammie]

Wishing all of you the best. I just want to re-emphasize what Sam said about remembering your pets. Don't leave them to face this alone.

[roundabout]

People should avoid going to Houston. I don't understand why so many people are going west, it would be better to go north into northern Mississippi, which is not in the possible path of the storm.