Gustav Worries Some - Flint Adam

It's almost three years to the day since Hurricane Katrina smashed into New Orleans.
Now - a new threat eyes the Gulf Coast.

Forecasters say Tropical Storm Gustav could become a major hurricane and veer toward Gulf Coast states.

There are plenty of Hurricane Katrina survivors now living in Middle Tennessee.
One of them says he's keeping a close eye on Gustav.

Cooking up the last dishes for a lunch-time crowd, John Chapman - or Chappy, as friend's call him - remembers his life exactly three years ago.

"Absolutely no idea that complete catastrophic destruction was on our doorsteps."

Hurricane Katrina would destroy his seaside restaurant and his home.
His family began anew in Nashville - opening up Chappy's on Church in mid 2006.
He's still coping with loss.

"It's tough to not look at that side. It's very hard to look in a very small scope here and stay focused on what we're doing right here and only right here - it's hard to do that."

So, it's no surprise the development of Tropical Storm Gustav has caught his eye.
Forecasters believe it may hit Gulf Coast states - maybe even New Orleans, itself.

"I hope it does turn. I don't hope bad for anybody, but it sure would be catastrophic to get another one up the breadbasket in such a short amount of time from the previous."

The storm is already battering the Carribean, and forecast models predict it will only strengthen - possibly becoming a category three hurricane with winds up to 130 miles an hour.

Ironically, the projected path comforts Chappy.

"If they track it right there first, that's good because it's going to probably change course. I've always said it - they put you in the line when it's at least 1,000 miles away, that's a good sign.

Even so, Chappy says friends in New Orleans are already planning an exit.

"I got a call this morning - Chap, you got some spots for 4 people if we need to come up? C'mon, we'll get you a spot, don't worry."

At the very least, a warm meal awaits.Gustav Worries Some - Flint Adam