When do you think evacuation orders will be announced for new orleans?

Question

where is the safest place to go as of now (north, east, west?)

when is the best time to leave to avoid traffic (would tomorrow night be too late?)

Answer 1

They just said on the tv news about 10mins ago (6pm report) that they will begin the evacuation over this weekend.  If I were you, and had a place to go to (North)

I would just pack the important things (legal papers, etc, some necessary clothing and the things you can't bear to lose) and just go either tonight or first thing in the morning and then you can just relax and wait it out.  Otherwise, you might be stuck in a huge traffic jam--didn't that happen before?  

Answer 2

Best is to go somewhere outside the possible area that will be affected by the storm.  For example, Memphis and Little Rock are unlikely to get anything worse than rain.

Leave as soon as you are packed.

Answer 3

If you are planning to escape Gustav and flee to the Memphis area, I am prepared to welcome a small single family into my home until it is safe to return back to New Orleans.

Answer 4

They are saying as soon as Sunday for evacuations.  I hear that traffic is getting pretty bad now (Saturday morning).  I would leave...better safe than sorry.