When do you think should be the latest time that the government order a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans?

Question

Given the uncertainty of the track of Gustav (see below), are any other gulf cities considering an evacuation (mandatory or otherwise)?

http://hurricane.accuweather.com/hurricane/atcf.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&ocean=atlantic&storm=Gustav&stormNum=6

Answer 1

I live near galveston, Im very concerned but im just keeping an eye out on it.  

Answer 2

There was a yahoo article and the governor said they have to evacuate New Orleans within 30 hours prior to the expected time Gustav will hit them.

Answer 3

I'm evacuating but its hitting more around Lake Charles than New Orleans. I live in Louisiana also.

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lch/owbrief/owbr...

Answer 4

If you've seen the Spike Lee documentary, "When The Levees Broke", then you'll know that ordering a Mandatory Evacuation was something he was not comfortable with because once you order a Mandatory Evacuation, the city government is technically responsible for helping those who do not have the means to evacuate.

As a general rule of thumb, I use use the following guidelines. If the area you live in comes under a Hurricane Watch, Voluntary Evacuations should be ordered. If the area you live in comes under a Hurricane Warning, Mandatory Evacuations should be ordered.