News Can the Levees Withstand Hurricane Gustav's Force?

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Hurricane Gustav, currently a Category 2 storm, is projected to make landfall near New Orleans, raising concerns about the city's levees, which will face their first significant test since Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans Mayor has urged residents to evacuate, while Mississippi's governor has mandated evacuations for Katrina victims in mobile homes along the coast. The storm's track suggests heavy rainfall and potential flooding for New Orleans, particularly from the northeast quadrant, although some believe the city's improved flood defenses may hold against a Category 2 hurricane. There is skepticism about the sustainability of living in a city below sea level, with discussions about the financial implications of potential levee failures. As Gustav approaches, many residents have evacuated, with about 10,000 remaining in the city as the storm weakens.
  • #31
Evo said:
If it does hit New Orleans, this will be the first test of the new levees.

New Orleans really shouldn't exist in it's present state. When being above water depends on the constant pumping out of water to exist, there's something wrong, IMO.


Two thirds of the Netherlands are below sea level and we're just fine. Granted we don't have hurricanes, but we do have surges and storm floods and the North Sea is generally more wild then the gulf. We have been pumping out water since the 1600's what else do you think those funny windmills are for?
People should invest in proper protection against the water and we as people are smart enough to do so. It should be state funded in my opinion.
 
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  • #32
I'm impressed the levees have held up so far. A video shows a sea of water bashing into what looks like a 1-2ft of concrete wall.
 

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