Ike shreds Cuba on way to Gulf

Hurricane Ike continues to shred Cuba, continuing on a path that right now appears destined for the battered Gulf Coast.  Once a Category 4 storm, Ike has lost some of its steam over land. It’s currently a Category 1, but the hurricane is expected to re-energize in the warm Gulf waters.

As Ike brushes the Florida Keys, there is some wind and rain.

Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi says “we still have a tropical storm on going.“

But even now, it’s clear the storm will not have the impact it once looked like it could.

Key West Mayor Morgan McPherson says “the fat lady hasn’t sung, but the chunky mayor may tomorrow.“

There is a real sense of relief here and a keen awareness things could have been much worse.

Monroe County, Florida Mayor Mario Di Gennaro says “we should all pray for Cuba.“

Ike’s attack on the island nation was violent.  120 mile-an-hour winds, waves over 5 stories high, and flooding that washed away entire communities.

It’s those pictures and the latest projected path of the storm that has millions along the Gulf Coast worried and now, working to get ready.

Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas says “complacency is not the game to play now.“

That may be toughest in New Orleans still cleaning up after Gustav.

Officials worry residents just aren’t ready for another mass evacuation.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin says “people are weary, financially tapped out, and I think that if Hurricane Ike decides to come this way, I think it would be much tougher them to move this time.“

The problem is Ike won’t be tired. If anything, the warm Gulf waters will fuel the storm, allowing it to intensify before landfall later this week.

The current forecast shows Ike could be a strong Category 3 or even cat 4 storm when it crosses the Gulf Coast.  Right now, that looks like it could happen on Saturday morning.