could we be looking at the storm that destroys the french quarter? last i heard there was little real flood protection in louisiana's gulf coast for anything this size hitting at high tide.

The thing that worries me, is that Ivan spends some time in the Gulf and gets REALLY strong and lands in New Orleans. The forecasters predict increased wind shear wich would weaken it, but the water is EXTREMELY warm and good hurricane fodder. I saw a show years ago discussing a hurricane hitting New Orleans as being an extreme disaster potential as it's already below sea level, but I think anywhere Ivan hits is going to be a disaster. In the short term I fear for the Cayman's and Cuba, it's not gonna be pretty.