Hurricane predictions lowered

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Mayor Ray Nagin says he's confident the city can handle whatever this hurricane season brings.
Researchers at Colorado State University are downgrading the number of forecast tropical storms to 10, and hurricanes to four. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is also downgrading its forecast to between three and six hurricanes developing. It had predicted that four to seven storms would become hurricanes.
If a hurricane does develop and threaten New Orleans, the city is preparing to evacuate 30-thousand residents who need help getting out of harm's way. So far, more than 20-thousand people have registered for free transportation and shelter through the City Assisted Evacuation Program. Business owners can sign up for post-disaster re-entry passes at the city's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.