They are already boarding up the French Quarter. I would call my hotel.

Once again, don't believe everything you see on TV. I just drove through the Quarter and saw two buildings with boarded windows. And they are art galleries, so that makes sense.

Don't worry....looks like everything will be fine by tomorrow afternoon. Storm has moved VERY quickly...will be here by early morning. Our word at work is business as usual tomorrow, with possibly a late start (10:00 or so). Some places are boarding up and sandbagging, but just as a precaution. Beautiful weather by Saturday!<BR><BR>Anne

I'm also booked to go to NO on Friday from Chgo. So far the flight has not been canceled, but the airline (AA) has told me that they will allow cancellations and refunds even on nonrefundable tickets. The hotel, Omni Royal Orleans said they will waive their normal 48 hr cancellation policy. Good to know they will accommodate, but I still intend to be there if my flight goes. Does anyone know are we talking hip waders or just crummy old shoes?

I am scheduled to leave for NOLA in a couple of hours. I have cancelled the hotel and I am hoping the airline will cancel before I do-- they give a full refund in that case- otherwise it is just a credit. I chose Phoenix instead- maybe next year. NO WAY would I go now. A local says they are evacuating...

It's now 3am locally and the storm has moved ashore. It will slosh its way through New Orleans within a few hours. We expect clear skies on Friday and Saturday! There's really no reason not to come, IMHO.<BR><BR>We got LOTS of rain a few hours ago in some really concentrated bands. The streets flooded temporarily but the pumping system has now caught up. This may happen again this morning as the eye passes but overall it's been a major inconvenience for locals but not much more.<BR><BR>

seems like the hurricane is passing over. may be the best time to go since the streets have had a great soaking and should be clean!

Hey, its thur morning, and while there's still flooding around the area its expected to clear and be a beautiful weekend. I would definately come.

Airlines will resume flights into New Orleans today, and while there was some street flooding, by Friday everything should be mostly business as usual. A beautiful weekend is in the forecast. Call your hotel to verify, but if I were you, I would still come on down!

Almost noon here in NO...everything is fine! Street flooding is going down; weather is clearing rapidly. Back to business as usual tomorrow. Many businesses are open today, with somewhat of a reduced staff due to localized flooding. Sandbags being picked up; boards are coming down. National weather is showing the few places that look sensational (like the I-10 underpasses), but that's NOT the norm. Even the underpasses will be open in a few more hours. Come on down and enjoy the weekend...weather will be great!<BR><BR>Anne

Thanks for the updates, Anne. I've been sitting tight, hoping I won't have to pack swim fins. I'll be there tomorrow!

Thank you all for your posts. Our hotel said all is well - United said all is well and our flight is on time, so with any luck we'll be arriving late tonight and enjoying a hurricane (the cool beverage, not the storm) by midnight. I can't wait to enjoy the city!