Reporter quote of the year from hurricane coverage

[NCHurricane]

The stupidist quote of 2005. Shepherd Smith saying "Everything is fine in New Orleans, they will be partying on Bourbon next weekend."

Was that after the storm made landfall but before the
levees failed?

Yeah, the majors didn't really get the word that NO was flooding until hours after landfall. Most of them were stationed in the area that didn't see flood waters until much later.

[Brent]

The stupidist quote of 2005. Shepherd Smith saying "Everything is fine in New Orleans, they will be partying on Bourbon next weekend."

I need to find my VHS tape of that one... that will be worth some money.

[rtd2]

I heard Jim Cantore was scared to death and said something along the lines of "We may not make it folks" If someone can correct me or verify please do so. I did not have any way of watching TV during Katrina.

Lindaloo...I heard that too Cantore was at the VA in G'port and later said he thought he made a grave mistake. they were at 25+ feet Above see level and had to go to the second floor. I dont know if you've been by the VA but Several Buildings including the Annex out front collapsed completly. Cantore as you know was down here last week and said it was a Humbling experience. I had always envisioned him doing a Live shot before landfall from the Mouth at sharkeads but Its gone too. I think looking back cantore would say they made a mistake in there location and estimates...Glad they are safe.!

[Lindaloo]

Have not seen any of it yet, but am planning on it.

I do remember one thing he said. He told us to "take a long hard look around, because in the morning things would be forever changed." He was right.

[TS Zack]

The levees failed when Katrina was making a second landfall. He was on Bourbon Street, practically the highest point in New Orleans other than Monkey Hill. Therefore, the flood waters took a time to reach him as the water rise slowly. Unlike in Lakeview/Ninth Ward the Water pushed in like a storm surge.

[Zackiedawg]

"Louisiana is a city that is largely underwater." - Michael Chertoff

"Don't get stuck on stupid" - Gen. Russel Honore, to reporters at a Hurricane Rita press conference who were still asking Katrina questions

EDIT: My mistake...didn't notice the 'reporter' quote was what was wanted.

In that case, I'll throw another vote for the typically-media premature and incorrect statement "New Orleans has dodged the bullet".

[Tampa Bay Hurricane]

Some crazy quotes out there