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OK, let me stand on my soapbox. Rcik, I am not trying to say anything about a rant about you commenting on N.O.. You are correct in your own opinion on this forum. I am not against anything you post. It seem odd the N.O. were two letters you write about often. I myself see that the track is possibly shifting North as well as East. I agree with you that maybe, N.O is not out of the woods yet, but as HankFrank has stated, he sees nothing that would indicate a majotr change in the direction of track to include the N.O. area inside any particular cone. There if I offened anyone, I certainly appologize to Rick and to all those who think I did. Everyone's opinion is accepted on this forum. For as long as it does not go to the graveyard.

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I don't think Rick is trying to "target" New Orleans or saying New Orleans will be Ground Zero.
When you hear Louisiana, people naturally think New Orleans simply because it's so well known. I believe what Rick is trying to state is that the storm will hit in Louisiana, west of New Orleans more than likely but even if that is the case, New Orleans will suffer. I am in Lafayette, Louisiana. If it hits us, as Lili did in 2003, New Orleans will definately feel the wrath of Rita. With that being said, it will cause major trouble for New Orleans. I think that is what Rick is trying to convey. If it hits at Vinton, La, New Orleans may be spared any real flooding. Anything west of Vinton, I think New Orleans will get some water.

If Rick were to use say, Crowley or Rayne, Louisiana rather than New Orleans, it would not give most people any real direction when it comes to Louisiana. Everyone is very familiar with New Orleans and I think that is probably why he uses that not to mention, there is a real threat of potential flooding if the storm does hit in south Louisiana.

I don't think he's saying New Orleans will get a direct hit, just that it will get flooding if the storm lands in SW La, which would unfortunately be my area!!