Words...

... just words, each with frightening impact
strong words
cold words
fearful words
powerful words we will soon grow accustom to...

"sticks and stones will break my bones ... but words can never hurt me" another childhood promise broken

... legendary
... historic
... French Quarter
... Mississippi & Alabama
... stranded
... Katrina
... immense
... monstrous
... intensity
... category 5
... surge
... capable of causing catastrophic damage
... a vast cesspool tainted with toxic chemicals, human waste and even coffins
... winds of 160 mph and the power to lift sea level by as much as 28 feet above normal
... absolutely worst-case scenario
... vast swathes of New Orleans could be under water up to 30 feet deep
... 60 percent to 80 percent of the city's houses will be destroyed by wind

"In a few days emergency management officials are going to be wondering how to handle a giant stagnant pond contaminated with building debris, coffins, sewage and other hazardous materials."

... an environmental disaster of biblical proportions, one that could leave more than 1 million people homeless.

After the storm passes, the water will have nowhere to go.

Thoughts and prayers (just in case) to those who are in her path.