Widely seen on televisions across the world was the casino billboard declaring: Closed until Ivan folds. Slowly moving lines of traffic were moving inland as far as possible before Ivan makes landfall within 24-hours along the US south.

Most residents of Florida, already weary from three previous evacuations, are back in their homes and counting themselves fortunate. Casinos along the southern coastal districts are closed to staff and customers.

Harrah’s New Orleans Casino is one of the ones affected by the evacuation, and closed at 6 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Tuesday. Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc, founded 66 years ago, owns or manages 28 casinos in the United States, primarily under the Harrah's brand name. The company announced that, conditions permitting, the casino would re-open at 10 a.m. Friday morning.

John Payne, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah's New Orleans, said "As this dangerous storm approaches, our No. 1 priority is ensuring the safety of our employees and customers. Our thoughts are with all of them at this time. Like all New Orleans residents, we're hopeful the worst will pass us by, and we look forward to re-opening as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so."

According to latest predictions Ivan will come ashore on the Alabama coast stretching from Grand Island Louisiana to Apalachicola in Florida, and will affect Greater New Orleans.

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