Yes, New Orleans didn't get a direct hit from Katrina and was on what is considered the "good" side of a hurricane. But, New Orleans is different. The worst possible scenario for New Orleans is to get a big, slow, powerful hurricane that lands to right to the east. It pushes water from Lake Pontchartrain into the city from above--if the levees don't hold then it is catastophe (as we all know).

I postulate that New Orleans would fair better from a west side hurricane. Needless to say, New Orleans cannot endure another hurricane right now, whether it is from the "good" side or "bad" side.

For my part, I am facing the worst scenario. I live in Abbeville, LA and a Cat 4 hurricane coming up Vermilion Bay would put 3 feet of water in my house (I am 20 miles from the coast and 17 feet above sea level). I am leaving tomorrow and hoping for the best. Luckily, I have been paying for flood insurance for 5 years (a lesson from Lili).

Sorry for the diatribe, but I am not as smart weatherwise as most of the people here, so I have nothing substantial to add. Just my thanks.