Surviving the first barrage.

[OuterBanker]

Seems like all networks focused on the Gulf region this year. Some had reporters in many damaged areas in the Gulf. It is good that they concentrated on the gulf region, it lets people know just how much work and recovery is still needed in the area. Hopefully it will get more Americans to contribute funds and volunteer in helping the area. The bad part of the hype was the emphasis on just how devastating another strike would be to the area. I think that everyone is well aware of that, but what winds up happening when it is emphasized is that people start avoiding the area and canceling plans. The economy on the Outer Banks is based on tourism and we have seen just how much damage the news media can have when they follow up on a previous year. Fortunately for us this year not one word was mentioned (so far) on Dr Gray's and Klotzbach's landfall predictions and how it looks like the east coast is more at risk this year than the gulf (the gulf coast sure could have used the publicity on reduced risk in the gulf though). With any luck we won't see TWC or the news media here.

[BayouVenteux]

Seems like all networks focused on the Gulf region this year. Some had reporters in many damaged areas in the Gulf. It is good that they concentrated on the gulf region, it lets people know just how much work and recovery is still needed in the area. Hopefully it will get more Americans to contribute funds and volunteer in helping the area. The bad part of the hype was the emphasis on just how devastating another strike would be to the area. I think that everyone is well aware of that, but what winds up happening when it is emphasized is that people start avoiding the area and canceling plans. The economy on the Outer Banks is based on tourism and we have seen just how much damage the news media can have when they follow up on a previous year. Fortunately for us this year not one word was mentioned (so far) on Dr Gray's and Klotzbach's landfall predictions and how it looks like the east coast is more at risk this year than the gulf (the gulf coast sure could have used the publicity on reduced risk in the gulf though). With any luck we won't see TWC or the news media here.

In the OBX case, the visitors should and will still come, after all, nobody's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf until he blows the house down. Your house, so to speak, is currently in good shape, standing tall with the welcome mat out. In the north central Gulf Coast's case, now that the house is in shambles, I'm not sure it's the potential for danger that's keeping the tourists away, it's just that with so many restaurants, clubs, casinos, beaches, etc. still shuttered or closed, the would-be visitors don't find us quite as appealing at present...nor should they. Your average vactioners don't visit places for charity, they go to forget their everyday problems and enjoy themselves. Would you want to spend a leisurely week off in New Orleans or the Mississippi Gulf Coast (which probably isn't ready for visitors yet anyway) with all the many sensory reminders still around?

Things will get better. New Orleans will be back. The Mississippi Gulf Coast will be back. The visitors will follow.


Postscript: with regard to any media pronouncments of "reduced risks" for particular areas...because of the emphasis made on awareness and preparedness, I don't think you'll hear that anywhere during a hurricane season anytime soon. Now as for the increased risk? THAT opens eyes and keeps people glued to their favorite news channel or commercial weather outlet.