We're taking the long route into the hurricane zone, through Jackson, MS, because we cannot get solid information about which roads are open along the gulf. We entered the edge of the damage zone as we moved south and west of Meridian, MS. Trees are snapped and we frequently see downed highway signs.

It's hot, but the humidity is not yet oppressive. We spent several hours in Birmingham, AL this afternoon, securing a four-wheel drive vehicle and shifting gear in the 100-plus-degree heat. The team has read the media reports from the storm zone, but as we approach the gulf we're getting a visceral understanding of how death came so frequently to elderly and infirm hurricane victims left without water or shelter.

Stopping on the Alabama-Mississippi border, Mike noticed gas purchases were limited to $30 per customer. The price is about three dollars a gallon for 87 octane. We expect gas to be more expensive - and more strictly rationed - as we move south.

Kenny Bruno spent the day in New Orleans. Due to poor cell phone coverage, communication with him has been infrequent and brief. He has managed to arrange a helicopter flight for tomorrow morning to give us a look at areas inaccessible by land and difficult to reach by boat.

A grapefruit-sized orange sun has just dropped behind the long-leaf pines. Red sky at night, a sign of good weather. Ground fog rises from the marshes and moves toward the road. We meet Kenny in Baton Rouge in two hours.