There were news reports of tourists who could not get onto a flight out and all the rental cars were taken.
Some tried and didn't make it.
When were the FIRST warnings that Katrina would most likely hit that area? I beleive it was the middle of last week. (could be wrong, but...)
Besides planes & rental cars - there are also trains & buses. Furthermore, the hotels themselves could have/ should have arranged with bus companies to evacuate the tourists long before an order was given to do so.
I can, in the back of my mind, understand a homeowner who decides to stay and ride out the storm. I can NOT fathom a tourist WITH family hanging around.
Having said that - even if some were trapped - what makes THEM any more "special" than any of the other survivors who likewise need evacuation??
Queue up, wait like everyone else and quit yer bitchen . . .
My nephew had a flight booked but missed his flight because of the traffic, trying to get to the airport. (Fortunately he managed to get a ride out of town before the hurricane hit.)