Waters are near 90 F along the coast; there is no colder water there, unless you go to the ocean floor (where even there, it's still warm).

The posts about gas prices were not deleted, they were just moved to a more appropriate forum.

The eyewall cycle may or may not complete before landfall. If the previous one is any indication, it will not. That may not be a saving grace for New Orleans, but every little bit helps.

A jog to the NE may not be the best thing for the city of New Orleans. A motion like that is going to pile all of the water in Lake Ponchatrain, only to have it sent southward towards the city as the storm passes by to the east on the west side of the circulation. While the west side of the circulation may be weaker, category 3 conditions are still being felt and these winds would likely be enough to take all of that water and topple the levees. A storm that passes over or just west of the city would be better for surge, but bring about stronger winds. Pick your poison, I guess.

Heading for bed, will update in the early am if need be. Stay safe, all.

i'd take the stronger winds. city splintered vs. city splintered slightly less and under water. -HF