Will I-49 N. be open on Sunday?? and Gustav damage to expect in Lafayette, La.?

Question

I have a question. I live in a mobile home on the south side of Lafayette near Ambassador/Kaliste Saloom. I plan to leave on Sunday, early afternoon, appr. 2 pm to go to Alexandria, La.. Do you know if I-49 North should still be open? Also, what is your opinion on the damage to expect to my mobile home with Gustav's current specs? You can be honest because I am preparing myself for the worst. I have packed pictures and documents in plastic boxes and taped them - dont really know what else to do ??? You guys all stay safe !! Thanks

Answer 1

I live in Broussard La and i am planning on leaving tomorrow  around noon.I think all the roadways will be open .There are some barricades preventing you to get onto the thruway but i DO believe the K saloom one is open..i KNOW for a fact the traffic will be horrible. It was really bad all day today.. A 5 minute trip on a reg day took almost an hour today!!! Very frustrating,,,,especially when it's HOT and your gas is just evaporating in the traffic AND..THE GAS STATIONS HAVE NO GAS LEFT!!!  Its all soooo crazy! All we can do is wait , hope and really try to be patient...My opinion..(opinion!!) on your home is...I think it should be okay..I have lived here my whole life and really have never seen any(dramatic) damages to any homes..People always stress how dangerous mobile homes can be...but i have never (in lafayette parish) seen a trailer park in ruins after a storm..I was living in a mobile home in Maurice for hurricane Lilly..A tree fell onto it and pushed it off its blocks...Thank god we left...My son was only 2 at the time and I'm sure we wouldve been terrified!!,,,but really the only damage was the fact that it wasnt on the blocks! There were no leaks ..all the windows were fine..I would never suggest anyone stay in a mobile home, but i do think your chances of coming home to A HOME are pretty good.....One last tip!!  Make sure you have cash on you...all atms commonly fail after a storm..Also keep in mind that even though the storm is over...the electricity could be out for DAYS..so if u have a comfy place to stay...I would stay as long as possible..Good Luck with Everything!! And remember it always better to be safe than sorry!! Nothing can replace a life!!

Answer 2

I-49 should be open. i don't think they are doing a dual contraflow

Answer 3

Gustav will still be well out in the Gulf of Mexico on Sunday.  You will probably encounter a lot of traffic heading north, but that's all.

Empty the refrigerator and consider turning off the power to the trailer at the main breaker box.  Same with water and gas (if you have gas service).

It sounds like you have done everything else you can in terms of preparing for evacuation.  

Good luck to us all!