What do you think the earliest we would have to evacuate from New Orleans for Gustav is?

Question

and assuming all is well what would be the latest we would return home?

Answer 1

you can evacuate whenever. the latest I would say would be Saturday.  but it might be traffic-y. so Id leave Friday..

and possibly Thursday....

Answer 2

It's never to early to evacuate! I would prepare to leave either tomorrow or Friday, just to be on the safe side because I know some people won't be able to get off of work or school until the weekend so you know traffic is going to be hectic then! Think smart! Fill up your car with gas now because the closer the storm moves in, the higher the gas prices will go up!

Hopefully, it won't do much damage and we will be spared. I hope to be able to return sometime that week after it has passed.

Answer 3

Leave as soon as you can, we don't need another repeat of tragedy that came with Katrina. Be careful.

Answer 4

Anything after midday Friday is almost certain to run into hellatious traffic; but in general the earlier the better.  The Governor has already declared a state of emergency.

Date of return is less certain, because there's no telling what the road conditions will be; even if your home isn't damaged, traffic may be backed up or diverted due to conditions elsewhere.  I'd count on being gone for a week.