Katrina Update #4

August 28, 2005; 10:11 AM

Just heard from both Janis and Adam.

Adam is headed to Winter Haven, FL with his girlfriend and her mother. They will stay at Megan's aunt's house.

Janis & Jarret made it through the gridlock and is now moving along at 40-50 mph, out of harm's way.

We may not have much to come home to, however — here's information regarding a Category 5 storm:

For a Category Five Hurricane the winds would be over 155 mph (135 knots / 249 kph) Storm surge would be generally greater than 18 feet above normal. Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs would be blown down. There would be complete destruction of mobile homes. Also, there would be severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of the
shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required for locations immediately adjacent to the sea (Weather Central.com 2001).

According to Dr. Wolshon (2000), the ground surface elevations in the city average about two feet below sea level, with some parts of the city, like those near Lake Pontchartrain, as much as 10 feet below sea level. The surface elevation of the Mississippi River average about 14 feet above sea level. During average conditions, the water that surrounds the city is often as much as 10 to 15 feet above street level. Under the category 4 or 5 hurricane, water elevation in the lowest parts of the city would be 30 – 35 above street level.

Our house is about 4 feet below sea level, and stands about 4 feet off the ground. So, in theory, that means about 7 feet of water in our first floor.

The important thing is we are all safe and out of harm's way, however.

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