6:00p

Is there an eye, is there not an eye?  That seems to be one particular meteorologists observation in the past few minutes.  Also the storm is taking a stair step approach towards the land which is unusual.  Wind speed at the NOLA airport are 31 sustained wind speeds while here in downtown the rain comes and goes with less time in-between the showers.

Curfews are being announced all over the area.  Haven't seen a New Orleans one yet but I'm sure it's out there.  Most seem to be dawn to dusk while others give concrete times of 8pm to 6am, here in New Orleans, that is usually considered drinking hours. 

Storms forward speed hasn't slowed which is good.  The rain fall total is now given as either 10-15'' or 20'', depending on the speed of the storm. 

Plaquemines Parish will be where land fall will most likely happen.  They've lost roofs on business so far in Venice, LA.   Storm surges are around 4-6' and winds around 45 mph sustained.  Not a pretty picture there.  They have a TV truck there but the weather is preventing the digital signal from coming through.

Military style barricades have been errected along some main roads outside the city to keep people off some lower lying roads.  Also, one of the most interesting laws I've heard in a while: no wake laws for motor vehicles.  The local law enforcements have the right to remove you from the scene if you are caught going more than 5 mph in standing water.  Not sure what the depth requirement for standing water is but I'm sure it is subjective.

There is around 63,000 without power right now state wide.  Here in New Orleans it is still spotty at best but it is growing. Most seem to be in the Uptown/Garden District area of New Orleans which is the historic area of the city and is the location of Tulane, Xavier and some of the most recognizable homes.  It's also home to some massive trees and some of the worst streets I've ever driven.