September 9, 1965, A Day Many Still Remember

When I arrived in NOLA back in 1978, I had to research past hurricanes that battered our city.  Some folks said the 1947 Storm (before names) was really bad, but most indicated the "benchmark" for worst hurricanes was Betsy.  I did one of my first "Weathering the Storm" specials walking parts of the lower 9th ward (Flood Street!).  Everyone told me they heard an explosion followed several minutes later by rapidly rising waters.  Several claimed it was the City of New Orleans that blew the levee on the Industrial Canal to keep most of NOLA dry.  Of course the City leaders denied that happened.  Whatever, until Katrina flooded 80% of the city, Betsy was THE Storm.  No such storm in the Gulf or Caribbean today.

In fact, there is a deep upper trough along the East Coast that will act as a block steering major Hurricane Lee away from the Eastern seaboard.

Hurricane Lee has weakened from the 165 mph Monster 2 days ago to a still dangerous Cat. 3 (115 mph) storm today.  All model guidance slows Lee down & then turns him to the north early next week.  The only issue is whether he will brush New England late next week.  Most models keep him well offshore

So without any tropical threats, let's enjoy this drier weekend, although it's still hot.

When will that first real front arrive?  probably not until next weekend at the soonest.

Saints tailgating weather looks fabulous  I'm thinking Saints 31 Titans 24.  Go Who Dats!  Stay tuned!