Fay Heads for Chocolate City

The timing is impeccable. Just as Democrats gather to bitch and moan about Hurricane Katrina, a new storm threatens to arrive in New Orleans.

A tropical storm watch is in effect from the mouth of the Pearl River to Grand Isle, including the New Orleans area and Lake Pontchartrain, as Fay maintains strength as it continues to straddle the Gulf of Mexico coastline on its wobbly path from Florida.

Tropical storm strength winds of 35 to 45 mph, with gusts to 55 mph, accompanied by above normal tides, will be moving into the area during the day Sunday and continuing through early Monday morning.

Rainfall totals of 3 to 4 inches, with 6 inches falling in some areas, is possible in areas east of Interstate 55.

Tides will be 2 to 3 feet above normal on Sunday. The strongest winds are expected on the North Shore and in coastal areas in eastern New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish.

An Army Corps of Engineers spokeswoman this morning said corps officials are monitoring the path of the storm closely. Computer modeling of Fay's forecast path and strength has not yet shown it will create storm surges high enough to require closure of any gates or other structures, said corps spokeswoman Amanda Jones.