federal resources. >> with respect to the president we also very much appreciate the fact that last evening he signed a prelandfall declaration for the 17 parishes in south louisiana that we had requested a declaration for. this will remain a night event. it is critical that everyone who has been told to evacuate or would like to do so that they do it now. molly: casey stegall is live on the ground in lake pontchartrain. casey, why is the storm surge such a concern where you are? >> well, molly, we are in the northern part of new orleans and lake pontchartrain is right back here. and the reason the storm surge is of such concern is because this giant body of water connects to lake born, which then connects to the gulf of mexico. so when you hear storm surge, this is where it could be experienced. and when you talk about it