Lapeyrouse Info

Bayou Petit Caillou

2008-09-14T21:41:00.010-04:00

I'm grateful to say that the water receeded today and that it all could have been so much worse. All of our family and friends made it through with no injury or deaths as far as I know. And, those places that are dear to us are still standing. I heard through Mom that Uncle Cecil & Aunt Etta saw some water in the back sitting room, but not in the rest of the store. They weathered Ike down there and although I haven't been able to make phone contact with them, I am glad they were able to make it.
I watched over the internet yesterday as Martin Folse and the crew at HTV10 brought footage of the floods to the web. If you missed it, Jason Serigny of HTV10 steers us to
Htv 10 and click on On Demand where you can see what they showed yesterday (Sept 13)and the past several days. (It's right below the live screen, to the right.) He says that the footage is a raw clip so it is not perfectly edited and the commercials are still there. But for all of us who are watching from out of state - please share what you know, what you love and what you're about to see with everyone you know. We can't let this place wash away.

Great Hurricane Tracking Site

2008-09-13T15:59:00.007-04:00

Thanks to Uncle Danny who sent me this great hurricane tracking web site to circulate around to all of those interested.
The site, posted by Wolfy out of Tampa Bay, Florida was sent to him from his brother, Don, who sent it from Egypt. Wow, the power of the web. We are all watching.

Not good.

2008-09-13T14:31:00.007-04:00

Hell hath no fury like southern wind pushed water. What was fairly safe just last week is facing danger from the surges from the western landfall of Hurricane Ike. Like Gustave, Ike was a category two storm as it came inland at Galveston, Texas early this morning. Like Gustave, it has slowed overland. The heavy combination of torrential rainfall and wind driven tidal surge has topped levees, created breaches and is overloading pumping stations. And it's not over yet.
Not seeing much coverage in the rest of the media, but Martin Folse is doing great job of bringing the issues to us via streaming broadcast on the web. http://www.kfolkjun.com/htv/
I haven't posted in the past several days because everyone was working hard to clean up, so the calls dropped off. Also, the Houma courier has done a great job of updates.
But with today's events, I'm asking anyone who can help spread the word - South louisiana needs federal help now. For recovery assistance and for protection. Martin is right - if this were happening in the Florida keys, the response would be immediate.
When the rest of the country balks at the billion dollar price tag for levees, tell them this interesting concept from Damon Baldone - the federal deposit from Louisiana derived from oil and gas is the second largest federal revenue maker - next to income tax. Each year, the federal bank deposits approximately 8 BILLION from Louisiana.

Updates on Services

2008-09-06T11:08:00.004-04:00

A LOT of great information to pass on in this article
Includes updates on everything from where to get ice and fuel to whose holding Mass.
Love,
Tory

Hanna

2008-09-06T08:51:00.002-04:00

Thanks for the calls & concern! We just got a smattering of rain last night as we were just out of Hanna's reach. We are about 3 1/2 hours from the North Carolina coast. Jake (my son) did get a bit of strong wind and rain in northeast Charlotte, which is just a few miles to the east of us. Not more severe than a strong frontal system, but did bring cooler temperatures to us. We should have a nice weekend!

News from Ellen

2008-09-05T15:26:00.005-04:00

Ellen Boudreaux Cavalier wrote in that things are not very good in the Houma, Chauvin, Bourg, Montegut area. She evacuated to Many, LA. Her husband was able to get down to our house on Upper Little Caillou and they had a pretty good amount of damage. Their house has a hole in the upper right side of the roof, but it's still livable. They are going down tomorrow to clean out freezers, but will be unable to stay with the conditions. She wrote that they are discouraging people to go back unless completely necessary and that sewage is backing up on the west side of Houma near Alma St. Her husband's aunt lives on Magnolia Courtyard and her son is there at the present time. He says it doesn't pay for her to go back right now because they may have to evacuate again due to the sewage problems. She'll send more update as soon as she returns Sunday.

Bayou Petit Caillou residents in the News

2008-09-04T09:51:00.008-04:00

USA Today “Gustav devastates smaller towns” quotes Madonna Tillman, has photos of Kimothy and James Guy.
“Gustav evacuee gets some bad news in Arkansas” interview with Wayne Domangue.
TIME “Where Gustav Came Ashore” mentions Kim Guy, Chris DeJean, Keith Luke and Charlie.
The Advocate “Gustav tears up Terrebonne Parish residences” quotes Gloria Dupre and her son Gordon Guidry Jr.
Orlando Sentinnel “ Families begin picking up the pieces in wake of Gustav” Reporter goes all the way down to Cocodrie. Story quotes Herbert Ross, Alita Kennedy, Kim and Melissa Guy.
Chattanooga Times “Families keep up with news about storm” interviews Monica Boudreaux, Chad Brunet. Includes photo of Dustin Boudreaux, Debra Foret, Chad Foret and Cyprus Blanchard.
Times Picayune “Rescuer in the bulls-eye” interviews Sammy Martin.
Bloomberg “Gustav Lashes Louisiana” quotes Miriam LeBoeuf

Some openings - click on link for full story

2008-09-04T07:39:00.005-04:00

If you get to talk to anyone back home, please let them know that yesterday, Rouses opened two of its groceries: The supermarket at La. 308 along Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux. (Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) And, another at St. Charles Street and Valhi Boulevard in Houma. (Open until dusk.)
Fuel remained in short supply, but those gas stations able to open, had done so.
Also, the Home Depot had opened.
And, the Nationa Guard is giving out MRE's and Ice at the Civic Center in Houma.

You Tube Videos

2008-09-04T06:53:00.003-04:00

Chris Collins sent links to videos that he's spotted on You Tube from storm chasers. He said it's better coverage than the weather channel. I know that I did get a bit aggravated with the Jim Cantore's coverage. The videos Chris found show things flying, roofs peeling - bad winds. Chris echoes everyone thoughts when he wrote "It could have been a lot worse water wise! I'm shocked (and thanking God) that there wasn't more water. Looks like it was a pretty rough ride though!"
The links he sent are posted in the box on the right hand side.
View more video on YouTube.Com by entering specific words like "Hurricane Gustav" "Houma" in the search box on the page.

A Tear to My Eye

2008-09-03T17:08:00.005-04:00

Yay Baby! Truck & 'em are back on the air at the Rajun' Cajun - KLRZ http://www.klrzfm.com/
Once on the page, you need to click on the "Listen Live" box at the top left.
I have to tell you - when I get homesick, I tune in. Or just when I'm in the mood for some great swamp pop. Anyone who knows my dad, Joel Lapeyrouse, knows he's got to have the radio on at all times and I've picked up that genetic trait. In addition to other local stations, this is one that's usually blasting around the house. Plus, when I worked at BTNEP, I got to know Kirk, Windell and lots of other South Lafourche folks, so it's like listening to family when they get on a tirade.

Community Forum Exchange

2008-09-03T15:59:00.003-04:00

I checked this out when it first appeared and the information was not helpful as the information folks were posting often contradicts what the news was reporting. But it seems more folks are beginning to use it and with that, the information ought to be more accurate. Give it a look if you haven't already. From the Courier:
Want to know about your home and neighborhood?
Want to know how your home fared in the storm? How friends and family are doing? How your neighborhood made out? Share information with friends, family and others back home in The Courier and Daily Comet's Community Exchange. We've set up these special forums to help you keep in touch with the people and things you care about most. Just click the link above, and you'll find a forum for the major communities in Terrebonne and Lafourche parish. Just enter the forum for your town, city or community, and share your information, thoughts and ideas or just ask a question a neighbor might answer. It's a great way to stay in touch with what's going on back home if you've evacuated for the storm. And if you stayed, it will give you a way to tell your neighbors who didn't what's happening back home.

More Good News!

2008-09-03T15:53:00.005-04:00

source: the Houma Courier

Federal relief supplies made their way into Houma today, with water, ice and ready-to-eat meals available at the Civic Center and are serving folks indefinitely.

Last updated about 2 pm today, The Courier and Daily Comet have confirmed these gas stations are open and selling gasoline locally:
-- Dabb's Quick Stop, Coteau Road and La. 311.
-- Plantation Truck Stop, 5418 La. 311, near Mystic Boulevard. But as of this morning, it is only providing gas to emergency and recovery vehicles -- NOT the general public.
-- Jubilee convenience store at La. 311 and Savanne Road.
-- Jubilee No. 601, 301 La. 20 in Schriever.
-- Go-Bear Convenience Store, 103 E. Bayou Rd. in Thibodaux.
Long lines had formed at most of the stations this morning.
If you know of one that is open and selling gas, let the reporters know and they'll pass along the word. Just call them at 857-2213.

FEMA info

2008-09-03T15:43:00.003-04:00

Here's the Times Picayune article regarding reimbursement for your expenses:
FEMA to help with hotel bills

I followed the website Chris mentioned... http://www.fema.gov/
From the site, it's very clear that, if you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company. Failure to file a claim with your insurance company may affect your eligibility for assistance.
Here's a phone number for you all to share with anyone down home without internet but can get out using a land line. Unless you have unlimited cell phone minutes...
To apply by Phone: Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Call TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities.
There's also a page of "Frequently Asked Questions" that is helpful.

Roads, Water & Expense Reimbursement

2008-09-03T15:41:00.003-04:00

Chris Collins also included some helpful information. He's been monitoring WWLTV online and here is some good info to share on roads for people trying to return. He notes that the Louisiana state police road closure website is very slow updating...and wouldn't trust it.

I-10 twin span eastbound is now OPEN. I-10 east bound out of Baton Rouge is very backed up, all the way from the610 split to the Bonnie Carrie spillway!!
Hwy. 90 is open for traffic through Terrebonne/Lafourche, but all exits into Terrebonne parish has checkpoints and they are not letting people into Terrebonne. Lafourche is open.
Water is not safe to drink, brush teeth, bathe, cook, etc... in both Terrebonne and Lafourche. Boil it!
They are saying no power for weeks - 3-4 but after Andrew it was on much sooner than they first thought but from what I see and hear on the news and HTV there are lots more power pole damage this time so might be on the longer side.

He also added a note for people asking about financial assistance on housing while away from the area - according to the press conference he watched from Chertoff this morning, FEMA may reimburse hotel/(food?) expenses but people need to register at FEMA.gov - not sure if it will be retroactive... and not sure how they expect evacuated people to register. It is a little unclear but Chertoff seemed to encourage people to stay away until parish officials said it was safe to return. So everyone be sure to keep receipts on everything if you plan to get reimbursed!

News re: Collins/Matherne/Hebert family

2008-09-03T15:34:00.005-04:00

Chris Collins writes from his home in Maine that all of his family is fine - His mom Sheryl and Patrick are in Florida, Anna is in Houston waiting for Jason to fly into Houston today from Seattle, MawMaw Lucille is with Uncle Leroy (in Houma!!) but they are fine and safe onlast check. The rest are spread out in north LA, MO, TN, AR, TX, MS, AL,and FL and all are good.

News on Needs...

2008-09-03T10:32:00.002-04:00

If you are considering returning home soon - the parish urges everyone to be patient and careful as work continues to bring power and water back up and running. There is a shortage of diesel, propane, gas and water. In addition, many supply places are not up yet and receiving stock to work on your homes. No hospitals are open as of today in Terrebonne.
Source: www.houmatoday.com

News from Natchitoches!

2008-09-03T10:30:00.001-04:00

Gordon White evacuated to Natchitoches, LA at a friend's house and said it's extremely difficult to get local news some 250 miles away from home.

Several updates!!!!

2008-09-02T22:10:00.010-04:00

HTV10 had a tower damaged so I've corrected the link to the place where you can now see the broadcast. http://www.mogulus.com/HTVHouma

Martin Folse is broadcasting live in split screen – one side is from a rolling camera as someone is driving and the roads look pretty clear. The have not gone into particular subdivisions but they are showing footage of the general area. The footage was filmed during today, and Martin is on the other split side fielding callers questions trying answer as best he can. If you watch for a little while, you'll notice that there are many folks giving vent to not being let back into the parish yet. Unfortunately, the feds have a great deal to say about that, it’s not just Claudet’s call. Please be aware that there is a lot of effort and work everyone is putting in to get information out to the world. Please also be aware that there are a lot rumors going around and the Courier and the media are trying their best to get answers and that takes time.

Here's more news from my family...

Sandra Sevin wrote in that she left Bourg for Baton Rouge on Saturday. Their lights went off there Monday @ 1:00. Then she left this morning for somewhere north or east and ended up in Demopolis, Al. They just wanted to find a place with electricity, a tv, and Internet access. She talked with Joey who sayed home and everything was fine when she talked to him on Monday at 11 - besides the window broken by a palm tree, the neighbor's trampoline against the newly-downed fence, and the metal porch in their front yard. Sandra gave me the new link to watch Martin Folse live on HTV online - http://www.mogulus.com/HTVHouma
She and Jonas are n Demopolis, and Brennan is in Winona, MS, where he fished in Grenada Lake during the storm. She's anxious to get home too - saying that they were all going to stay, but Joey really didn't want them to. His sister and her family, and his mom stayed with him. His mom said she'd stay again, and his sister said she'd have to think about that one. Sandra said she's going to stay with Joey next time if she has to wait until Friday to get back home.

Lorraine Champagne Pardee wrote that Jason and sister-in-law Tara Champagne are doing well in Lagrange, Georgia. They have a local station that went out in the area and are going to have live coverage to view VIA HTV. She also heard from them that the east side Wal-Mart in Houma did receive alot of damage from tornadoes and that alot of power lines and trees were down in the Houma area. Southdown subdivision around were her brother lives has alot of power lines down.

There was a question about the condition of Lower Bayouside Drive - Hwy 56 - My brother says that there are places with some shingles but nothing really major that they noticed. Did not see flooding of homes, which a lot of folks were worried about. Everything was in amazingly good shape despite the direct hit of the hurricane. And there they were also fortunate to not have the terrible rains and wind that continued today to the east and west and north.

In a feeling of normalcy, Mom and Dad are washing and drying clothes and watching the weather channel. They are in Branson and weather is creeping up to them. She brought dad to a doctor at a clinic for a bronchial infection – got a nebulizer and antibiotics. With Dad so sick, and Gustav’s weather now hitting them in Branson, they are going to try to stay a few more days.

Tony said that Johnny Glover and his sons had already gone through, pushing debris off the road and cutting with chainsaws. Cecil and Etta were already down checking out the store. At the dock, Buddy King’s awning is on the ground. It looked like water level went up to the cement floor of the dock.

Uncle Ashley and Uncle Junior and Uncle Colton – while my earlier message said that your homes were fine – there is some shingle damage – but Tony said that he could see the lining intact so you should be ok – especially if we don’t have more rain/wind. Regarding Rhonda & Ronnie’s place on Tigerlilly Drive, they’ll try to get a look at it tomorrow in the daylight as it is very near where he’s staying in Mullberry. One of the other guests at the house had been out there and they said the only house that was bad was Bryant and Becky’s home – He’s a car salesman? He did not have any information about Darryl’s house. They had not gone in that direction today.

Also a correction - Uncle Colton & Aunt Dorothy were going in Arkansas, but turned around and went to Mobile to stay with Denise & Earl’s friends/ Uncle Colton and Earl are going back in and if they have generator, then the girls will follow.

Everette and Marla are with Marla's brother Caroll and his wife in Houma.

Nannie Elaine says Benji is doing really well with his first hurricane!

Much love,
Tory

Update for Terrebonne Parish

2008-09-02T16:02:00.002-04:00

Source: www.tpcg.org

Terrebonne Parish Government anounced that a full scale assessment of public service infrastructure has begun. Ten assessment teams from the Parish Public Works Departments are coordinating with National Guard Work Teams, federal and state agencies, and local electric utility providers to identify problems and to aggressively begin the recovery process. Public Service infrastructure such as roads, bridges, levees, pumps, sewerage and water systems, hospitals and the entire electric utility system must be analyzed for apparent and latent damages.
Numerous breaks in the water distribution system has caused the Consolidated Water District to shut off water service to areas south of Presque Isle until such a time that the leaks can be located and repaired, or isolated.
No major flooding or levee breaks have been reported in the Parish
The Parish is still under a 24 hr curfew, and folks should not re-enter the Parish until further notice.
Also, a special 1-800 phone number has also been set up to provide information on the progress of this and other issues regarding Hurricane Gustav recovery efforts. The number 1-800-354-6862.

Rural Retreat !!!!

2008-09-02T15:11:00.002-04:00

Tony's still truckin'.... getting a visual.
Uncle Junior & Uncle Ashley's homes are fine out on Rural Retreat!!!!!
Uncle Colton's home is fine!!!
Anthony's home is fine!!!

Nannie Elaine & everyone at Christine's Home

2008-09-02T13:43:00.005-04:00

Just got through to Nannie Elaine. Everyone weathered the storm just fine at Christine & Ron's house in Baton Rouge but they have been without power and there are trees down everywhere. The beautiful yard is a mess. She was very glad to hear that all is still standing in Cocodrie.

Cocodrie Update

2008-09-02T13:12:00.002-04:00

Tony just called in - and they are in Cocodrie - everything looks fine! There might be some minor wind damage here and there, but everything is still standing and not flooded!!!

My Job

2008-09-02T13:05:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone for supporting the flow of information. I am back at work today at my real job which has nothing to do with the internet! My co-workers are supportive of what I'm doing and I'm keeping my cell phone handy for updates, checking my email and posting on this blog as best I can. You all are in everyone's thoughts here in North Carolina.
Love,
Tory

Borne's & Boudreaux's (& Wises)

2008-09-02T13:00:00.003-04:00

Brian had good news of his sisters, Louise Boudreaux & Celeste Wise. Louise says that neighbors have told her that their subdivision in Lockport and the subdivision where both their parents and her inlaws (Herman & Bea Borne, Cat & Dale Boudreaux) was fine - just some wind damage here and there with shingles off roofs, some fences are down. Celeste's subdivision in Abita Springs is the same - just was some branches scattered around and wind debris. They stayed at home in Abita. The Bornes and Boudreaux contingent had evacuated to Homer.

Presque Isle Looks Good!

2008-09-02T12:50:00.000-04:00

Joey’s girlfriend, Candace, spoke with Chester to tell him that his house on Presque Isle is fine – Nothing’s badly damaged – just a few shingles off and the fence knocked down. The neighborhood of Presque Isle looks fine. Chester and his family plan to leave Thursday to head back down.

Martin Folse - HTV Channel 10

2008-09-02T12:43:00.002-04:00

HTV10 in Houma is having some issues and is working to have the website streaming video coverage as quickly as possible.

Don't Drink Da Water!

2008-09-02T12:34:00.002-04:00

Good thing Barry likes wine ;)

They have posted a Boil Water order this morning on the Houma Courier.
Last Modified: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. HOUMA -- Though the Schriever water plant is capable of producing treated drinking water, a boil water order remains in effect because water currently in residents' lines may have been contaminated when pressure was lost during Hurricane Gustav.
“The problem is we’ve got a bunch of leaks all over the place,” according to Randy Bascle, an operator at the Schriever plant.
The Houma plant remains out of service, but the Schriever plant can supply the entire parish, Bascle said.
Currently, the Schriever plant is producing 19 million gallons of treated water a day, though at a reduced pressure.
The order will remain into effect until waterworks workers can perform bacteria tests, Bascle said.

Update from Anthony

2008-09-02T11:15:00.003-04:00

Anthony and Katie are ready to come home! They may be leaving tomorrow to go to the home of a member of Katie's family who live in Gadsen, Al (near Birmingham).

WWL TV coverage this at dusk this morning

2008-09-02T11:12:00.002-04:00

A video report from WWL channel 4 early this morning.
Reiterates a 24 hour curfew and difficult to drive because of branches and debris and wires down on roads. Really, nothing new.

http://www.wwltv.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=278263

Water Water Water - Can you drink it?

2008-09-02T10:53:00.003-04:00

I'm hearing questions about drinking water safety and sewer not working. I have not been able to find any source in writing saying that the water is unsafe. However, I did find that due to power outages, the water treatment plant is operating on generators. This could reduce the flow of water, so depending on where you are from the main water line, you may have a slow flow or no water at all.
There is a boil water order in Plaquemines parish - which might be a good idea for all, if possible.
I'll keep trying to find out more.

Message from Ben

2008-09-02T08:29:00.002-04:00

Ben & his new wife Amy in Austin, Texas have let me know that their home is open to anyone who needs a place to stay also. He's been working non stop to help the the Texas National Guard get ready for hurricane deployment and says that everyone in Texas is ready to help Louisiana. He talked to Kurt and says he was going to ride it out in Thibodeaux. Nanny Elaine is in Baton Rouge. He hope everyone is ok and in a safe place and sends his love you all and please let him know if there is anything he can do to help. He's talked to his parents (Aunt Pris and Uncle Dan) last night and they are very tired from clearing debris around the house - but are safe.

Reports from around 1 am this morning

2008-09-02T06:56:00.002-04:00

Source: Houma Courier -

Terrebonne: No return until Friday. Lafourche uncertain
Terrebonne residents will not be able to return to their homes until noon Friday at the earliest, parish officials announced today.
In a joint decision by Parish President Michel ClaudetFlooding in Pointe-aux-Chenes

Also from the Courier, news about the levees...
Farther south, La. 665 was flooded up to its 2200 block at about 7 p.m., but waters were slowly receding.

Because of the flooding, authorities were unable to travel farther south to determine what kind of damage may have occurred in lower Pointe-aux-Chenes and Isle de Jean Charles.

At 5:30 p.m,, sheriff's deputies and Pointe-aux-Chenes residents hacked through massive tree limbs blocking La. 665, the only road to and from the small coastal community.

Residents were eager to see how their homes weathered the storm. Some were sure the area would flood even though water had not yet risen.

Local levees hold, but some overtopped

La. 1 in south Lafourche was impassable because of flooding today and tonight

By Matthew Pleasant
Staff Writer

Published: Monday, September 1, 2008 at 9:27 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, September 1, 2008 at 9:51 p.m.

MONTEGUT -- Levees in both Montegut and Chauvin held under Gustav's pressures, according to authorities, though a quarter-mile stretch of levee between Pointe-aux-Chenes and Montegut overtopped.

In Lafourche, Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre said as much as 6 feet of water flooded La. 1 south of the Golden Meadow Floodgates early in the day. Some homes below the floodgates may have been flooded, but it was impossible to get there to find out. By nightfall, the waters in that area had receded to one or two feet.

Grand Isle Mayor David Carmadelle said La. 1 remained flooded late tonight, making it impossible to travel to and from the island community. Officials hoped the water would receded Tuesday so they could survey the damage to the south of the floodgates.

Water flowed into the Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Reserve, said Kyle Neal of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office Water Patrol. Water was slowly receding behind the levee.

At 5:30 p.m,, sheriff's deputies and Pointe-aux-Chenes residents hacked through massive tree limbs blocking La. 665, the only road to and from the small coastal community. Residents were eager to see how their homes weathered the storm. Some were sure the area would flood even though water had not yet risen.

"Give it four hours," said Mike Arceneaux, a Pointe-aux-Chenes resident who sliced through limbs with a chainsaw. "It will flood."

La. 665 was flooded up to its 2200 block around 7 p.m., but waters were slowly receding, Neal said.

Because of the flooding, authorities were unable to travel farther south to determine what kind of damage may have occurred in lower Pointe-aux-Chenes and Isle de Jean Charles.

Authorities were watching this evening for the potential that continued southerly winds will push water higher into the area's bayous and marshes, threatening to cover roads and yards.

In Montegut, shrimpers who stayed during the storm began to re-emerge.

E.J. Billiot, 67, slept in the wheelhouse of his boat and said the storm had not been as bad as he expected.

"It was raining and blowing so hard that you couldn't get out on my deck," he said. "It seemed like it had no end, though."

At 6 p.m., water had flooded the land in front of Montegut Middle School but had not yet reached the building.

Spencer Rhodes, chief of the Montegut Volunteer Fire Department, said the Montegut levee had been overtopped but that water had slowly begun to recede. He said crews had not found breaches in the levee.

Cross Street, off La. 55 in Montegut, took on only a few inches of water Monday and was dry by 9 p.m., Rhodes said.

Marty Thibodeaux, Little Caillou fire chief, said all roads below Boudreaux Canal were flooded.

It was uncertain whether homes in the parish's extreme southern reaches had flooded, as authorities were unable to reach them by nightfall. The two-lane highways that stretch into the lower communities were covered by debris, blocked by power lines and utility polls, flooded or a combination of the three.

Don't Come Back -- Yet.

2008-09-01T22:35:00.002-04:00

Terrebonne and Lafourche have implemented roadblocks manned by Louisiana state police at entry point into the parishes. They do not expect to allow folks back into the parish until Tuesday afternoon. The storm seems to have slowed and feeder bands are still raking the parishes with rainbands.
Watching the radar on www.weather.com and using the + and - tool to zoom into areas where folks are. I just gave Tony and Barry a call to let them know that they can expect more rain showers. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell them whether or not the weather will turn severe. When the bands are over water, they seem to range from pale green to deep green but when they came over more land, yellow cells pop up like popcorn and some have a red centre conveying that there is still dangerous weather.
Speaking of,
There are more Hurricanes brewing in the Atlantic ocean. Hopefully they'll all stay away. And everyone can get back to their homes and work.

Aunt Pris & Uncle Dan

2008-09-01T20:29:00.004-04:00

Amy called in and her Mom and Dad (Aunt Pris & Uncle Dan) weathered the storm at home in Breaux Bridge.
Remember the giant Cedar tree on side yard? Amy relayed that it finally fell but didn't hit the house!!!!!
They are fine. They were out with chainsaw and starting to clean up as soon the weather passed. Uncle Dan told Amy that there's a lot of stuff to pick up and a bit of damage to the house where "A little bit of tree went through the house but nothing to brag about." Amy says they are in great spirits!

Updates - Levees, and Barry's roof

2008-09-01T19:25:00.004-04:00

The weather seems to have finished passing over Breaux Bridge but I'm getting no answer from Aunt Pris.
Marty Thibodaux, fire chief of Little Caillou (in Chauvin) said that they rode out and saw evidence of the southerly winds bringing enought water action to overtop sections of the Montegut levee. He also said that they saw that the Chauvin levees are intact and holding.
In the northern part of Terrebonne parish, reporters are saying there may have been some straight line winds that snapped live oaks, damaged some homes and left others intact.
-
Tony just called - Barry's house now has leaks and has lost some of his roof. It's still raining. They have nothing to cover it right now - so they'll have to just wait it out for now. He said it's not too too bad but was hoping the rain would stop soon.

Jindal - more update information

2008-09-01T19:17:00.004-04:00

- The LOOP is totally shutdown. 100% of oil production is shut down and 95% of natural gas is shut down. Maybe 20% may be back up by the weekend. Port Fourchon was hit very hard.

- Braithwaite levee has overtopped and erosion has caused a breech. They are working on controls with siphones and barriers.

- Unconfirmed report that a local, non-federal levee in Pointe-aux-chene has been breeched. A flyover is being sent to check on the situation.

As soon as light tomorrow morning, they will begin work immediately on search and rescue, restoration of power, deploy commodities, and to work on clearing debris.
Non-essential state employees do not report to work tomorrow.

- There's water in the Governor's offices... showing disaster plays no favorites.

Jindal's update

2008-09-01T19:07:00.003-04:00

He's doing an amazing job giving a lot of information with his updates...
Of interest to us, Terrebonne and Lafourche has 24 hour curfew in place now. May begin to monitor folks coming in and out of the parish.
There are 3 black hawks are doing a flyover from Meridian Mississippi to as far west and as best they can for search and rescue and site survey. Will use night vision and will report down to the ground for land rescue.
Lower Lafourche parish major damage, flooding at golden meadow.
Lafayette and St. Mary's still having really bad wind/weather.
White cstle ferry sunk - no one hurt.
Energy companies report that it may take 2-3 weeks to get power back in Terrebonne.
78% of Lafourche is without power.
94% of Terrebonne is without power.
Paquemines is 100% without power.
Numbers will change once they get data from Lafayette area.

Captain Allen & Sandra -

2008-09-01T18:44:00.002-04:00

Their contact reports that in Chauvin, the water is over the road beginning at the Boudreaux Canal Bridge. and that reports of failed levees is unconfirmed, but that there is some water is some areas that may be from wind blowing water over the levees in some areas. He aslo said that there isn't anything that's been wiped out but things have been damaged, like the awning of the Dixie General is off, but the building is ok. Marty J's has some roof damage but the building is ok too. At thier house and Mom and Dad's there's no power, but lots of nasty looking yards.

Houma Montegut information

2008-09-01T18:38:00.002-04:00

Hwy 24 between Houma and Gray has a good bit of damage from wind. There is a convenience store with the front and some of the roof blown. In Houma, the civic center roof has some damage, and around the old historic courthouse which is fine, but branches and debris are all over. Main Street Houma has several store fronts blown out. All around, there are lot of small trees down, wires in the road but seem to have the worst between Houma and Gray.
Reporters say that there isn't wholesale flooding of Montegut, BUT, water is overtopping portions of the new levee but don't yet know how by how much. Hoping for warter to go down and winter change direction.

Re: Fires in Houma

2008-09-01T18:28:00.002-04:00

There have been some fires in Houma. They think it was due to downed power lines. Because of the weather at the time, it was too dangerous for firemen to respond.

"At 11:45 a.m., at least four homes were burning in east Houma, authorities said. Police had knocked on doors but no one appeared to be inside of the homes -- two on Grand Caillou Road, one North Vann Avenue and one near Ongeron and Sylvia streets."

source: Houma Courier

News from Uncle Ashely

2008-09-01T18:24:00.002-04:00

Uncle Ashley emailed to say that he heard that Marty-J lost their roof, and that St Francis church has roof damage. No one is talking about water levels. He e-mailed Cnn & Fox News and told them they should be covering Houma instead of Lafayette, Baton Rouge & new Orleanes. ( I LOVE THAT!!!) No coverage on the area that the storm made landfall. They are are all together in Dallas, but Darryl is on a job in Little Rock. He also says that someone called Rhonda and told her that she has on damage to property.

Word on Winrock Dr.

2008-09-01T18:22:00.001-04:00

Tony called and was able to check his house. He has roof shingles missing and his fence is down and some siding off the back patio. Oh and Jon, the garbage bag that was on the wind turbine is gone along with the turbine. He kinda laughed at that. The other one is still there. He said that the Cuz' house was fine too - and didn't see any damage and his fence is still intact. The ride over from Barry's place to Winrock was not easy. The streets are not clear. St. charles stree has debris and poles down.

oh there's water now..

2008-09-01T17:02:00.003-04:00

I just checked in to the LUMCON weather cams and the water has definitely come up. In the front yard, you can see water across the yard, yet it' is not too bad - you can still see the homes/camps across the road. The lowest structures seem to maybe have a little bit of water, the structures that are raised on pilings seem to be fine. Cannot see any indications of roof or structure damages. Behind LUMCON, it's all water but the ridge of shrubs are still visible.

Cocodrie webcam

2008-09-01T14:13:00.003-04:00

Hey, webcams are back up and running at LUMCON. You can click to view the front yard and back yard there. At this time, it seems as though water has reached the road, but has not crossed it. Also all the houses across the street from LUMCON seem to be intact.
www.lumcon.edu

Note - until everything is up and running, you may not be able to link the camera or site.

Webcams around South Louisiana

2008-09-01T10:17:00.002-04:00

Found a link with webcams around south louisiana. Some are not working but we'll just keep checking...

http://www.weatherbonk.com/weather/webcams.jsp?where=louisiana&category=+&keywords=&_submit=go&_id=&_className=weathermaps.weather.user.WebCamRequest#

Landfall

2008-09-01T09:56:00.001-04:00

The northernmost part of the eye wall is passing through Cocodrie right now and will be over chauvin in few minutes.

Mom & Dad, Tania's Family

2008-09-01T09:23:00.003-04:00

They are getting ready to finish the drive to Branson and will be staying together at the Horizon's on Green Mountain Drive. I think they should arrive there in the afternoon.

Mom & Dad's house

2008-09-01T08:42:00.002-04:00

Mom talked with her neighbors, Sandra and Alan this morning and the power went out at about 7 this morning. So far, there are two palm trees down in their yard and just a branch in the back yard at Mom and Dad's house.

Keep this info too

2008-09-01T08:35:00.002-04:00

More information:
If you find that you've lost the ability to make voice calls with your cell phone, try sending text message. It uses a smaller signal and may get through when a voice call that uses a bigger signal can't get through.
My cell number is 980-329-1801
yahoo messenger: tory.borne
love,
tory

News from Aunt Pris

2008-09-01T07:11:00.003-04:00

I had an email from Aunt Pris and she's cracking a joke about Hurricane Hanna coming my way. She confims that she and Uncle Dan are staying at home in Breaux Bridge and bunken down and waiting for whatever comes their way. She spoke to Everette and Marla this morning and Everette said he wasn't leaving till they come tell him to leave. Kurt is in Thibodeaux with a friend.

News fromTony

2008-09-01T07:09:00.003-04:00

I had an email from Tony..."Hey, I just got up, water is real low, wind still out of the North, and had not really gotten any weather yet. Seems that the Storm is not as strong as they predicting. Landfall is predicted at am at Port Fourchon.
I have never had so much time to prep before a storm, and no rain.
So we still at Barry Alford house, and we not moving, but we will be cooking a pork roast stuffed with sausage for lunch. Bet yall don't have that in Tennessee."
Brian's been up a while and watching the weather channel again. His siser Celeste and family are in Abita Springs. There have been tornado warnings across the coast.

Jim Cantore's in Houma

2008-08-31T22:32:00.003-04:00

The weather channel is broadcasting Jim Cantore from Houma under the houma bridge. It looks like they are tied up inside the locks. He is interviewing Rene Gregoire from Dulac.
Cantore is trying to convince them to get off the boat. At this time, if they haven't chosen to leave, he's wasting his breath. He's now in front of a very nice looking boat, still in downtown Houma by the bridge and he's saying there are folks staying on boats with children and when he asked why didn't they leave, they said the kids wanted to stay. He's appalled by that.
Dad, how many storms did we pass through on a quarterboat or the Diana L.? I think it was scary-cool, but I don't remember ever having a say in whether we stayed or left. Hope those who are staying make it through as we always did.

Mom & Dad, Tania & her Family

2008-08-31T17:18:00.001-04:00

Ok - we've got a room for Tania & Buddy at the Hilltop Inn and Suites in Greenbrier, Arkansas right along hwy. 65. They'll be there tonight and leave in the morning to finish the drive to Branson. They had a mid-morning late start from Vidalia, LA and are just now reaching Pine Bluff, AR.

More Lapeyrouse Updates!

2008-08-31T13:28:00.002-04:00

I've been in touch with Lorraine Champagne - she and her husband Craig Pardee are in Lansing, Michigan and she's keeping in touch with family down there too. Her latest update has some folks in the Bourg area right off of Country Dr. Lester Lapeyrouse ( Dean Lapeyrouse's son)....address 201 Corral Way Dr. , Bourg, LA. and says it sounds like there are others staying in Bourg...was not sure at this time if Dean and Judy Lapeyrouse are staying in Chauvin.....She is in touch with "lil" Lester will let me know. She's not sure were Uncle Terry Lapeyrouse and family are staying but think they are staying in Bourg as well.

Heidi & Danny

2008-08-31T10:07:00.001-04:00

Heard from Heidi!!
She and Danny are in Chicago and plan to stay there until Wednesday morning, and then fly back into New Orleans. Danny is an emergency medical relief doctor and will report to Kenner Regional Hospital. If New Orleans is not accessible, she will be located in Covington where one of her companies are located.

Learning how to Blog

2008-08-31T09:43:00.003-04:00

I thought that anyone could post a new message to this blog, but just found out that you can only comment on a posted message, unless I invite you through google to be an author. So I sent an invitation to Chester, Anthony and Christine to sort of test it. If anyone else would like to be able to post new messages, let me know and I'll send the invitation to sign up to you too...This blog can have up to 100 authors contributing posts. I am also looking for some codes to make the comments anyone leaves on a post easy to see.
love,
Tory

updates

2008-08-31T09:00:00.002-04:00

Spoke with Dad this morning -
Victoria & Jon have left for Gatlinburg.
Uncle Colton & Aunt Dorothy have left for her sisters place in Arkansas, but the girls Denise and Darla - and their families are still in Houma.
Uncle Ashley & Aunt Beverly are headed to Dallas with Darrly and his family.
Uncle jr & Aunt Loretta are headed to Panama,Florida.
Dad said last he spoke with them, Uncle Cecil & Aunt Etta will stay in Houma at their house on High Street.
He also told me that last he spoke with Tony & Joey, they are planning to stay, possibly on Alford's houseboat.

Chester & Louise

2008-08-31T08:52:00.002-04:00

I just tracked down Chester's family and talked with Louise. They just arrived this morning in Columbus Georgia where they are booked into Home Towne Suites, an extended stay apartment type hotel. They drove all night and are exhausted and need to get some sleep. But I could hear Quentin & Kaitlyn very happy and excited in the background.

Baton Rouge Rally

2008-08-31T00:09:00.000-04:00

Christine and her husband Ron are hosting Christine's extended family... the list from her message:
"Ural & Thema Neil, with 2 of their grandchildren ( Sandy, will have to work @ Terrebone Genaral till lock down. So Paul and their daughter Shannon will probably be in Houma) Sammy will be on his way to TN.
Brandi and Kayln, Brayden and Brandi's boyfriend Ellis and his 2 children
Dena and Jacob Lyons (My sister)
Jacob Jr. & Jana Lyons ( my nephew)
Mom & Dad ( their dogs)
Nanny Elaine
Terry & Barbara Bourg and ( Their son Glenn and his family)
Katie & Chris Higgins (my daughter)"

Thanks so much Christine & Ron!

Gas?

2008-08-31T00:04:00.000-04:00

Lorraine tells me that her Dad (leroy champagne) made it as far as Kentwood and that there is a shortage of fuel along I-55. I checked www.gasbuddy.com to see if they post additional information to the helpful price maps. Couldn't find any information on a website to show whether there is gas or not. Anyone have any ideas?

Bornes & Boudreaux's

2008-08-30T15:53:00.000-04:00

My in-laws, Herman and Bea Borne are heading up to Homer with Joey & Louise's family (Abigail & Logan) and Joey's parents - Cat & Dale Boudreaux. They will be staying with friend/co-worker of Joey's. Chase will be at the hospital until he can get away and join them.

Tania & Family are headed out

2008-08-30T15:52:00.001-04:00

Tania called to let me know that after they would be leaving this afternoon to try to catch up with Mom & Dad. She and Buddy are taking both vehicles and are following each other.

Mom & Dad - night of Aug 30th

2008-08-30T15:49:00.000-04:00

3:50 pm - Mom just called, they are having an easy drive. They have made a reservation for tonight at an RV park - River View - in Vidalia, Louisiana. She's asked to find a place for Tania & Buddy to stay tonight if they wish, nearby. I have found a Comfort Inn with vacancies for tonight just a mile away.

Chester and Louise -

2008-08-30T12:19:00.002-04:00

Gave them the route to Home Towne Suites in Columbus, Georgia
There were 6 suites left this morning - King suites - available tonight through thursday. This takes them in the opposite direction of Gustav's proposed landfall. And it's close to I-85, so if Hurricane Hannah causes problems - they are halfway to my place and can just head due north.

Mom & Dad

2008-08-30T12:18:00.001-04:00

Mom & Dad took a wrong turn following GPS. They decided to pull over and take a short nap - they've been up since 4 this morning. They are in Grammercy.

Anthony & Katie

2008-08-30T11:05:00.001-04:00

Anthony and his girlfriend, Katie Smth, will follow her parents up to Memphis Tennessee planning to leave today. He'll let me know when they're on the way.

Mom & Dad, Tania & Buddy

2008-08-30T10:06:00.000-04:00

Mom, Dad have left for Table Rock State Park - Branson MO
They need a place to park their Pace Arrow 32ft motor home and need hook ups for water, and electricity, 30 amp. pref site with cabins for possibly Tania's family to stay.
The RV is slow moving and don't think they'll get there until Sunday night/monday morning
The plan on taking hwy. 1 to Baton Rouge on upwards on the western side of Louisiana and Arkansas towards Branson.
Table Rock State Park:
5272 State Highway 165
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-4704
No reservations are taken at ANY Missouri state parks!
Will check along the route for places to potential stop - they will need to tank up about every 200 - 300 miles.