Considerable weakening of Gustav | Eye collapsing

Fortunately Gustav seems to be weakening in a number of ways. It still packs 115 mph winds, but the National Weather service called that "generous". The eye of he storm has weakened considerably, and the east wall seems to be falling apart. As it moves overland, it will weaken fairly rapidly, although not rapidly enough for Houma. There is still danger and the storm surge will test the levies of New Orleans. However, I think this might be a test and might give the Army Corps of Engineers valuable information about how things stand. As far as New Orleans is concerned, this might amount to the equivalent of a preseason game,

Gustav maintains strength...

...but does not appear to be intensifying. It is on track toward Houma, LA. Because hurricanes can do funny things, we shouldn't think New Orleans is completely out of the woods yet. The West Bank will likely get flooding. On TV I saw a West Bank family that decided to stay and ride out the storm. At least they were well prepared with a generator and boats. So they should be OK, although it does not sound like a wise decision. I'll find out when I wake up, if the track has been maintained. New Orleans could get sustained hurricane force winds of upwards of 85 mph. There will be damage in New Orleans, but Houma will take a beating, as well as areas south of Houma.

Gustav weakens and continues track

Gustav has weakened a bit, sustained winds down to 120 mph, but it has not slowed down. It is still expected to intensify, but it's starting point is lower than we would have thought to begin the day. I've compared the tracks, and Gustav seems very close to projections of yesterday, and doesn't currently show the east "error" that I noted earlier. That is good for New Orleans.