How will people staying in Baton Rouge fare when Gustav hits?

Question

My grandparents, my great grandma, and my great uncle are all staying in Baton Rouge (more specifically, Gonzales, it's just East of BR) and they plan on riding it out. I also have an aunt, uncle, and two cousins that are staying in Baton Rouge who plan on riding it out also.

Both families are stubborn and believe they can ride it out, and all of the rest of my kin has already left, so no one we know can pick them up. And we live too far away (Kansas) to retrieve them. So, does anyone think they'll survive this? Will there be flooding?

Answer 1

Since Baton Rouge is well inland, it will not see the strong winds like the coastal areas will.  Nevertheless Baton Rouge should see some very heavy rains, and some flooding is a good possibility.  Unless they live in a flood prone area, they likely will be o.k.    

Answer 2

Yes, Hurricane Gustav will mainly hit the West Baton Rouge and coastal areas; Like New Orleans and so on. East Baton Rouge will mostly get a lot of rain, thunderstorms, power outages, trash everywhere, and flooding. I will ride it out in Zachary, LA; There's no point of running and hiding. Whatever happens; Happens is what I say. Everything going north is ok; Like East Baton Rouge, Zachary, Baker, and so on.

Answer 3

It is senseless to evacuate here. Ive lived in baton rouge all my life. We do just fine for the most part. No flooding just wind and rain. Save the roads for the people on the coast. I guess you have to live in baton rouge to understand, we are far enough inland. The only thing i would worry about though, and you might want to think about this. The electricity goes out for days sometimes. I think our lights were out w/ katrina for 6 days. Now, were young w/ kids, they liked camping out in the den and cooking outside on the bbq. But i was so freakin hot! and being that its your grandparents and great grandparents, id make sure they find a way to stay cool! the elderly can get heat exhaustion without even realizing it. They feel cold all the time, but they could be over heating. Check and see if they have a generator, or something. Remind them about heat exhaustion and double check with them about there water supply. Maybe, if you or someone can, plan to fly down here asap after the storm, if flights are coming here, i dont know how that works. Just to check on them because of the heat. Do you have any other family members here that can do it?