Three paramedics from Benson were in New Orleans for an EMS Expo, but they were unable to get out of town. They plan to ride out Hurricane Katrina on the 19th floor of their hotel.
The National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Katrina made landfall Monday morning just east of Grand Isle, La. It was listed as a Category 4 storm with 150 mph sustained winds and higher gusts.
According to the paramedics, New Orleans is deserted. Flights and trains into and out of the area have been cancelled. The only way out was by taxi, and the Johnston County medics say they have heard about people offering as much as $1,500 to get to Baton Rouge.
Once the recovery begins in areas Katrina impacts, power crews from North Carolina will help.
Progress Energy officials said crews will be sent to the hardest hit areas. Duke Power said crews already in Florida will be redirected to the areas that take the brunt of the storm on Monday.
The Durham Bulls are doing what they can to help people in the Gulf area. The Durham Bulls will donate half the proceeds from Monday's season finale to disaster relief. Tickets are still available, and the game starts at 1 p.m.
The Bulls are owned by WRAL's parent company, Capitol Broadcasting.
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
