Here we go again...

As of right now, I'm right in the middle of the projected path of Hurricane Rita. I realise it's still early, but the threat is real. Mine and surrounding counties have already issued early voluntary evacuations. My apartment is approximately 30-40 miles from the coast...too close to try and "ride it out". I already had a trip up to East Texas planned this weekend anyways, so perhaps I'll just have to leave early and bring a few extras (my cats, guitars, and whatever else I can fit). Yet my family owns property in Galveston, on the west end-not protected by the seawall. My job is also there, but in the east end in the city. So naturally I'm worried.
Our stretch of coast has been lucky over the years, and we're prolly overdue for a direct hit. TS Allison was costly in Houston, but that was mainly due to drainage issues. Hurricane Alicia (early 80's) was the last major hurricane around here.

Be assured officials of many levels are not looking to repeat what happened in New Orleans here in Galveston. Houston Metro busses, church, and school busses have all been allocated for use if needed for mass mandatory evacuation. And as devastating as Katrina was, Galveston still holds the record for the most deadliest hurricane (or any natural disaster) in the U.S., with 9000+ dying in 1900. Naturally they take hurricanes seriously there.

Are y'all below sea level?

Officially my town (Alvin) is at elev. 6 ft. Galveston's East end is maybe 6-10 ft, which they raised to after storm mentioned above. Most of Houston is no more than 20-30 ft.

Ya'll will defanately be in my prayers.

Sorry to hear that. :(

Hope it works out OK
Will definately be keeping up to date with the news

Originally Posted by: R. ShackleferdHurricane Alicia (early 80's) was the last major hurricane around here.

hey, my girlfriend's name is Alicia (spelled the same way too)

but more seriously, I'm prayin for ya dude

Hope all goes well for you!!

Ok so starting tomorrow Galveston will have mandatory evacuation...meaning no work. Kinda cool, but sucks too. I need the hours/money. So I'll just start packing and prolly leave tomorrow sometime. The landlord is boarding up my windows this very moment.

Thats awful, well I hope it wont be as bad as they say and everything works out
and like the others said I'll be praying for you too.

Damn Rustee. Good luck ridin' this mother out.

Originally Posted by: R. ShackleferdAs of right now, I'm right in the middle of the projected path of Hurricane Rita. I realise it's still early, but the threat is real. Mine and surrounding counties have already issued early voluntary evacuations. My apartment is approximately 30-40 miles from the coast...too close to try and "ride it out". I already had a trip up to East Texas planned this weekend anyways, so perhaps I'll just have to leave early and bring a few extras (my cats, guitars, and whatever else I can fit). Yet my family owns property in Galveston, on the west end-not protected by the seawall. My job is also there, but in the east end in the city. So naturally I'm worried.
Our stretch of coast has been lucky over the years, and we're prolly overdue for a direct hit. TS Allison was costly in Houston, but that was mainly due to drainage issues. Hurricane Alicia (early 80's) was the last major hurricane around here.

Be assured officials of many levels are not looking to repeat what happened in New Orleans here in Galveston. Houston Metro busses, church, and school busses have all been allocated for use if needed for mass mandatory evacuation. And as devastating as Katrina was, Galveston still holds the record for the most deadliest hurricane (or any natural disaster) in the U.S., with 9000+ dying in 1900. Naturally they take hurricanes seriously there.

last i checked, rita is predicted to be a 3 when it hits. you're safe to ride it out.

Originally Posted by: tehplatypuslast i checked, rita is predicted to be a 3 when it hits. you're safe to ride it out.

There's nothing "safe" about 130 mph winds. Regardless...it easily has potential to get to cat. 4 before Friday night. That Gulf water is really warm, just how those storms like it. It was a tropical storm just this morning, and by tonight it's a 2, so...yeah. Besides, there's no reason I can't just go have some fun in Austin for a couple of days with my sister who lives there.

Originally Posted by: R. ShackleferdThere's nothing "safe" about 130 mph winds. Regardless...it easily has potential to get to cat. 4 before Friday night. That Gulf water is really warm, just how those storms like it. It was a tropical storm just this morning, and by tonight it's a 2, so...yeah. Besides, there's no reason I can't just go have some fun in Austin for a couple of days with my sister who lives there.

word. and it's looking more organized now too (last sateliite images i saw, it looked really sloppy/unorganized). good luck dude.

Yeah, good luck Rusty. I've talked to a couple of friends in Galveston that are headed outta town already. Looks ugly! God be with the folks on the coast!

This will be my last post for now. Starting to get real anxious. Rumour is that flooding of 4 ft. is possible. It's also looking more likely that it could get to a cat. 5 storm. Current prediction models think the center will hit south of here in Matagorda Bay, but that still gives us the brunt of the "dirty" side. So I gotta start packing what I can. Thanks for the well wishes and prayers from all.

oh man, that sucks undoubtedly. those damn catholics and their ethnic cleansing prayers finally payed off. mother****ers.

Originally Posted by: quickfingersoh man, that sucks undoubtedly. those damn catholics and their ethnic cleansing prayers finally payed off. mother****ers.

:confused:


Is it hurricane season or what?
Or they getting nasty these days, coz tho' I'll bet I've read about hurricanes hitting the East coast before, it's never been like this, to my best recollection.

Originally Posted by: R. ShackleferdThis will be my last post for now. Starting to get real anxious. Rumour is that flooding of 4 ft. is possible. It's also looking more likely that it could get to a cat. 5 storm. Current prediction models think the center will hit south of here in Matagorda Bay, but that still gives us the brunt of the "dirty" side. So I gotta start packing what I can. Thanks for the well wishes and prayers from all.

Good luck dude, I'd be gettin' the F outta dodge too if this mother was bearing down on me:

hee hee, the weather channel... I was watching the weather channel last night! watching this hurricane, along with at least 2 others... sheesh! what's with all the hurricanes this year?