Should I leave for Hurricane Gustav?

Question

Only people who KNOW what they're talking about, plz, answer! Okay, I live in St. Landry Parish in Opelousas, La. We're about 200 miles inland but i live in a mobile home. We just got into this trailer, only 2 weeks ago! I don't really wanna leave. Most of my family live in mobile homes and NONE of them are leaving. I've never left for a hurricane before and stayed safe and sound in mobile homes. What is your opinion about this storm?? Anyone else in St. Landry Parish??

Answer 1

Hurricanes generally weaken once they hit land, they gather strength over open warm waters. Since you are 200 mi inland no need to run yet, just listen closely to the weather warnings. This powerful storm is only moving about 15 mph. If you live near an area prone to flooding, you may get heavy rains that may cause you some problem from the effects of the storm. Sit tight until more accurate path of the storm is known. One problem is hurricanes have a tendency to spawn tornadoes once on land. If you are spared high wind of the hurricane be wary of reported tornadoes, a mobile home is not the safest place to be during a twister.

Answer 2

Floridian here.  200 miles helps but you are not out of the woods.  Expect extended power outages, flooding, trees down  and possible tornadoes.

You would be a lot more comfortable if you knew some friends well inland you could visit. It's safer too.

Answer 3

if you do leave, just make sure to return in time for all the hand outs. don't miss out on this deal....................

Answer 4

Dude. You're in the path of a potential Cat 5. Leave now. I live in South FL also in a mobile home and I rode out Wilma because they reported it wrong, and I would never do it again, the scariest five and a half hours of my life. Trust me. Leave.

Answer 5

GET OUT. Head north ASAP! Moble homes are death traps in storms of this strength- to be tossed about like toys....

Answer 6

I live near Galveston in Texas and I'm leaving in the morning to go to San Antonio.  I don't know where exactly you are but i'm guessing this storm is going to whoop all of us!  I'd leave... soon!  better safe than sorry!

Answer 7

I do not live in LA but I have relatives who do and yes all of you should leave before the hurricane comes.  

Answer 8

Well, if local authorities tell you to flee then get out. If they don't, that far inland, I wouldn't flee unless I knew I was in some sort of flood zone. That far inland you're safe from the kind of flooding that was so destructive in NO. I'd certainly have taken some precautions though, because you still might get a horrific storm. Some food, water, flashlights, rain gear, be ready to shelter in the innermost part of the trailer if windows break.

Short answer: Use your head, DON"T PANIC, and do what you think is best. That's the best way to deal with natural disasters.

PS: Oh, and mobile homes have a rating as to what kind of weather they are built for. There should even be a label somewhere with this information on it. There's like 3 levels, and obviously you want to be in one with the highest rating.

Answer 9

I would board up everything,have your bags packed in-case it gets bad & try to stay  

Answer 10

hmmm i would gustav is category 5 anything over category 3 i would leave

Answer 11

this storm is going to be huge. try to consider everything. heck make a pro's and con's chart or soemthing. but i'd get out just incase!

Answer 12

If you have a car, leave.  The hurricane probably won't be too bad that far inland, but even if there is only a 10 percent chance that it will be a CAT 4 when it gets to you, you can't take that chance.  

Better to have people laugh at you for taking the threat too seriously  than have some people say that you waited for the government to evacuate you instead of taking responsibility for your own life.    

May God be with you, whatever decision you make..  .  

Answer 13

It would depend where it hits here in New Orleans. But it is forecasted to be a cat. 1 by the time it reaches Lafayette. Please be safe and good luck.

Answer 14

My brother is posted in Mississippi with the Air National Guard and they are transporting his whole unit and everyone else all the way to Alabama.

Answer 15

I am a native of Opelousas no longer living there.  We just convinced my family to leave tonight.  They live a very solid two story brick home on high land in Opelousas.  No Cat 4 or 5 hurricane has ever been projected to come ashore so close by.  St. Landry Parish is already under voluntary evacuation, which is also one of the first times that has ever happened in history.  If it comes ashore at Cat 4/5 and is as big as projected, you may see up to 90mph winds.  Please get out.  The worst thing that can happen is you use your home and not your life.  We probably won't see flooding but the winds should be fierce...