Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal held a news conference today in Baton Rouge on Friday afternoon and indicated that tropical storm winds associated with now Hurricane Gustav should start hitting Monday morning and some parishes are anticipated to start mandatory evacuation Saturday.Jindal said that the hurricane could start Tuesday.
Jindal said that some people might consider voluntary evacuation prior to mandatory evacuation.
Jindal said that the contraflow will be a dual contraflow since the anticipated direction of Gustav could take a middle South Louisiana route through the state.
Jindal said that once the tropical storm winds start and hit the lower parishes that it would be dangerous.
Jindal said that based upon the information he has obtained, the Hurricane could be a Category 3 or 4.
Jindal outlined steps he has taken thus far which including making available thousands of “slots” for individuals who are in need including medical need.
Jindal said that nineteen parishes have called a state of emergency and that many parishes have activated plans.The governor said that many parishes will be issuing mandatory evacuation Saturday afternoon.
Jindal also said that he expects contraflow to begin early Sunday but that it could occur Saturday.
Jindal said that President Bush has approved a landfall declaration which was requested by the President earlier this week.
Jindal said that 1500 national guard individuals have arrived in New Orleansand that people should not be worrying about their properties.Ultimately, Jindal said he expects the guard to exceed 7000 guardsmen
Jindal mentioned that there are over 58 thousand “shelter slots”.Jindal also said that there are thousands of medical slots for people in need and mentioned that various states are attempting to help Louisiana.Jindal also said that there was a problem with the prior bus contractor and that arrangements have been made to deal with that issue so there would be sufficient busses.
