latest report from NOAA is that its a category 3 currently, could regain cat4 before hitting land.
watching the news last night they had the mayor of New Orleans flat out telling everyone to "get out! This storm will make katrina pale by comparison, if you chose to stay, YOU WILL BE ON YOUR OWN!"
the look on his face said it all. It was kinda unnerving to watch.
Storm surges expected to be between 18-25 feet, and the levees -at best- are 10 feet. it's going to be ugly down there.