This is not a minor problem

Powerful Storm Threatens Havoc Along Gulf Coast - New York Times Katrina, now a category five storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale is packing sustained winds of 160 MPH. It is taking aim directly at the city of New Orleans.

This is a particular problem, because much of New Orleans is below sea level. 15 inches of rain and a storm surge of 20 feet or more will topple the city's flood prevention levees.

Add to the problem the people - many tourists - who are stranded and cannot evacuate, and this is makings of first class disaster.

Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco said. "This is not a minor problem."

Update 2:30 AM 8/29/05: Just took a look at the National Hurricane Center's 4 hour satellite loop for Katrina. It is currently on track heading directly for New Orleans, though the eye-wall (which is incredible on the infrared satellite images) is hours away from the city.

Michelle, at A Small Victory has a few choice words for the people of New Orleans who are not evacuating - especially a group of college kids planning a party.