New Orleans braces for Isaac
The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC) continue to co-ordinate with city officials on the latest information about Tropical Storm Isaac, which has strengthened into a hurricane just off the US Gulf Coast. At this time the New Orleans metro area is under a hurricane warning. An evacuation has not been called for in New Orleans proper, but people who live in residential areas outside of the levee protection system are being encouraged to evacuate. This evacuation will not affect visitors to the French Quarter, downtown or any tourist centres of New Orleans. Following are a few updates from today: !!! Airport – There are no flights scheduled in or out of Louis Armstrong International Airport on Aug. 28. Visitors are encouraged to call their airlines for re-booking information. Many airlines are offering refunds for today and likely for Wednesday as well. !!! Attractions – The following tourist attractions are closed today and Wednesday: The Historic New Orleans Collection, National World War II Musuem, Audubon Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium, NOMA, Steamboat Natchez and Grayline Tours. !!! Restaurants/Bars – Many restaurants such as Ernst Cafe in the Warehouse District and Walk Ons on Poydras St. plan to stay open and welcome guests. Many fine dining restaurants will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Visit http://www.neworleanscvb.com/issacupdate for other restaurant updates. !!! Hotels – Hotels are expected to remain open and serve guests, as long as there is not a mandatory evacuation order. A mandatory evacuation order is not expected for New Orleans proper. Visitors are advised to contact their hotel if there are any questions about reservations. The latest forecast calls for the landfall of Isaac on the Louisiana coast as a Category One hurricane on early Wednesday morning. This could mean during the Tuesday evening hours after midnight or later in the morning on Wednesday after daybreak, depending on the speed of the storm’s progress. Tropical storm force winds of 40 mph will be felt in New Orleans beginning at 1 a.m. Tuesday. (http://www.neworleanscvb.com/isaacupdate)
