With a newly strengthened Hurricane Isaac approaching, we're now in hunker down mode. Mayor Mitch once again summoned the gaggle to update what phase of the battle we're at, and specify just where we are (that is, the front lines). He also reminded us that we can get killed in a Category 1 hurricane, and told us about his visit to the Great Wall. Here's today's play-by-play:

 

 

12:13 p.m. All the same players from the past 2 days are gathered on the pdium. The mayor is dressed in a rain jacket today, showing that he's been outside.

 

 

12:15 p.m. Press conference starts. Mitch says he got a phone call from Vice President Biden, and a call from white House this morning. He's in constant communication with Washington, he says. Gov. Jindal's administration has been "terrific." Local agencies continue to communicate on a "very regular basis."

 

 

12:16 Now an assessment of where we are today: "We are officially in the fight, and the City of New Orleans is on the front lines."  He adds, "All of the prep that we have made to date will hold us in good stead."

 

 

12:17 Isaac is a concern because it's moving so slowly. 10-16 in. of rain are expected, and it might be higher in some areas. "Do not let this storm lull you into complacency." Landrieu says we "dodged a bullet," because it's not a Cat 3, but it's plenty big enough to put a big hurt on you. He again asks everyone not to panic, but to remain calm and vigilant. 

 

 

12:18 Overall, Landrieu says it appears the citizens are heeding warnings. We've done a good job of boarding up our residence. However, the mayor is  "somewhat dismayed that there are a number of people out on Lakeshore Dr. trying to experience what a lot of heavy water feels like." He warns: "It's better to be bored than to get hurt."

 

 

12:19 The mayor says he was out in Lake Borgne this morning with Col. Ed Fleming  to close the "Great Wall." Landrieu says there's a great sense of the security now in place. Largest civil project that has taken place in the USA. It's 1.8 miles long, 26 ft. high, 13 miles from downtown. It's protecting the Lower 9, New Orleans East and St. Bernard Parish.  The Wall is part of a levee system we have reinvested in. "That is not to say that we will not have flooding in the City of New Orleans. We are not out of the woods on a water event or electrical event," the mayor says.

 

12:20 But now is the time to stay in place. "I'm going to ask you to hunker down," he says. Park on the neutral ground, don't park on bridges or overpasses.

 

He again runs down things about Cat 1 storms that will hurt you: 

 

-Driving and walking through standing water

-Flying debris when winds it 40-50 mph

-Fallen trees. Downed power lines.

-Improper use of generators and candles

 

 

12:23 "At the risk of being excrutiatingly detailed," Mayor reads list of streets that flood. Available online at ready.nola.gov. They always have problems with the spot at I-10 under the train tressel. Mayor says, "We're going to rescue someone from that spot, but I'm goingi to say it again."

 

 

12:25 A word on when the storm passes: You'll still have to stay in for a while. The city is going to be in a search and rescue mode. When the wind dies down, Mitch asks people to stay off the street. "It's quite possible that some of your fellow citizens will be in harm's way."

 

 

12:27 NOPD Chief Serpas steps up: He says it's time to use common sense, common courtesy and common safety, and warns people not distract PD from their duties by sightseeing or venturing out. "The time has come to stay in," he says.

 

 

"Help us to help you." he says. "Help us to help you."

 

 

12:29 Col. Ed Fleming with Army Corps of Engineers: Successful operation. Next trigger we will meet is at Seabrook. The Industrial Canal is draining into Lake Pontchartrain, and that's what we like. The next closure will likely come at Seabrook, then we'll have a closed system in Industrial Canal. 

 

 

12:31 Coast Guard, Pete Gauthier: Lower Mississippi is closed, the canals are closed and the Industrial Canal is closed to the East. Now is the time to be off the water, he says. Gotta find safe storm mooring as soon as possible and get out. Coast Guard is going to be hard pressed to launch a helicopter or a boat to get you if you're distressed. 

 

 

12:33 Charles Rice Entergy: Lineman cannot work in any condition where the winds are above 30 mph.

 

 

12:34 Justin Augustine from the RTA says operations have ceased, so don't stand at a bus stop because no one will pick you up. Mitch makes a joke about Waiting for Godot.

 

 

12:35 Airport: All flights canceled, but they're still waiting to hear from JetBlue.

 

 

12:37 Stacy Head speaks today: "This is what govt. was supposed to do years ago and didn't, down to providing us fed. assistance should the worst occur." She says the City Council believes we're as ready as we can possibly be for this storm. Head can feel our impatience and frustration. She went for a run this morning down St. Charles Ave, and saw people getting in their last breaths of fresh air. She reminds us that we must stay inside. The Head family plan is to do puzzles.  She hopes you have an emergency plan ready because it is time to stay inside. When the storm is over, get out there with trash bags. Be good citizen, good neighbor.

 

 

12:39 The Mayor returns: If you go outside and get hurt, nobody can get to you. Now he enters coach, saying, "The game just started, and it is about execution. It is about following the rules."

 

 

12:40 Question time: First up is about flooding. Mayor says no pump in the world is fast enough to keep the land dry when that much rain has fallen. "Our greatest hope is that the storm starts going a lot faster," he says. Marcia St. Martin of the Sewearge and Water Board says we only pump 1 in. for the first hour 1/2 in. thereafter

 

 

12:41 Question about price gouging and, for the inevitable Katrina memory, looting: Mayor says there's no evidence thus far of gouging or looting. Serpas says the cops are working in 2 12-hour configurations, leaving 600 cops out there. He promises the police will be aggressive, constitutional. The sheriff told him there's room in the jail for anyone who is caught looting. "You're going to take a ride," he says.

 

 

12:43 Another Entergy question: Rice says the system is in about as good of shape as it could be, but when you have rains of 50-60-70 mph, there will be power outages.

 

 

12:45 The press conference wraps. Everybody is off to hunker down. Stay with NoDef for more Hurricane Isaac coverage as the storm moves in.