The Southeast has experienced severe drought; I have tried to protect New Orleans from any storms whatsoever the last two years, and the whole area has suffered. I did not _aim_ a storm at New Orleans specifically, because I feel deep sorrow at the plight of the people who suffered from Katrina.

Did you notice how Gustav abruptly lost power, and brought lots of rain but not much in the way of damaging winds and storm surge to the city? I worked really hard to bring calm air to the storm. I had been distracted the previous week, and Gustav built up and aimed himself outside of my awareness. I did everything that I could to pray for a calmer storm, and despite the dire predictions and the certainty of the forecasters in the continued intensification of Gustav, he self-destructed.

Hurricanes happen to the Gulf Coast. The eco-system depends upon them.

As for Ike, he also grew out of control when I wasn’t looking. Let’s all work towards the following outcome: Landfall Thursday (or early Friday), with little or no more intensification, a Category 1 storm, onto the coast of Texas near Corpus Christi (which will avoid a major oil catastrophe–there are too many oil rigs in the water further to the East). Because Ike is already so big, the water following him will bring a surge that is greater than what the strength of the hurricane would normally bring. So, let’s speed him along, and have him stay at most as a Cat 1 storm, even gentler if possible.

Incidentally, have you been following the Arizona desert weather? Good work folks!!!

The Sonoran desert and the Saguaros thank you all for your efforts!