10 a.m. Updates

WWL-TV is reporting that there is overtopping of the Industrial Canal floodwall on the upriver (i.e., MY) side of the canal. Overtopping in and of itself isn't really a big deal, but if the pressure destabilizes the walls, or if the overtopping scours the earthen bases on the dry side, we could be looking at something bordering on the catastrophic. Also, there are two ships and one barge LOOSE in the canal. At least three people, then, should be going to prison. That is criminal negligence. I hope lawyers somewhere are preparing warrants.

On a lighter note, here is a report from Lance, a friend of a friend, who's stayed in Algiers:

It's all sideways down here. Leaves stripped from the trees. No cell service. House rattling wind gusts followed by blasts of rain.The raindrops look as sharp as razor blades. I will stay out of the way and let them pass. All the house geckos have gathered in the air conditioning vents. I can see their beady eyes looking out furtively. I've crumbled up graham crackers to reassure them all.

Hey...there goes a goose hurtling backwards. It's not too early for a beer....

Update: both ships are closer to the lake in the canal, and somehow they're being secured. No word on the barge, so maybe that was rumor. What does have me concerned is a report that water is spurting through or under the flood walls on the upper side.