Slidell and Radio Station WWL
More information is becoming available through the national media, but here is information from WWL, New Orleans. Some of the info below may be redundant at this point.
WWL, 870 kHz, in New Orleans is on the air again using emergency power. The station has enough diesel fuel to stay on the air another 12 hours. A tanker is reported to be on the way with additional fuel, but per the station DJs, the tanker may have a tough time getting to the station due to debris and high water.
WWL reports heavy damage in Slidell, with some flooding, and extensive wind damage. Two hotels lost their roofs, most of their top floors, some outer walls, and most of their windows. Many roads are blocked by fallen trees, building debris and flood water. There is no fresh water, no sewer service, no electricity, no telephone service (including cell phones), no food (most stores are damaged and closed). It could be at least one to two months before utilities are restored to most areas.
WWL also said that WATER IS STILL RISING in many areas of New Orleans due to breaches in the levy system. Sections of the twin spans collapsed over the Lake Pontchartrain and are impassible. The causeway is open, but the condition of highway 11 is unknown.
An unknown number of people are stranded in their homes due to flooding, some on their roofs, some in their attics, awaiting rescue. Many people who stayed behind have no access to food or water and are in a desperate situation. Hopefully the emergency response will ramp up quickly today.
Jefferson and Saint Tammany parishes are closed to residents and under Marshall Law. Site seers are being arrested. These areas will remain closed to residents until next Monday morning, September 5th. Even then, debris will have been removed only from major roads. Residential roads may remain impassible. The Jefferson Parish president told residents who do return next Monday to only expect to retrieve important possessions and THEN LEAVE. IF YOU DO RETURN, BRING YOUR OWN FOOD, WATER, MEDICINE and FIRST AID SUPPLIES. Returning esidents should also be prepared to protect themselves from looters, snakes, and other vermin. And they should be prepared to fully cooperate with officials.
Power lines are down across New Orleans and Slidell. Officials report that some downed lines may still be energized and deadly.
Some looting of stores is being reported. National Guard units have not yet been fully deployed. But, per officials, looters will be treated harshly.
Power is also out in Baton Rouge, most of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi.