Rita Ahead

[NewOrleans]

Rita will move into the Gulf by mid-week and easily become a hurricane 4 or 5 by Thursday. The Gulf is hot and ready for another massive storm. If it turns to the north/east after entering the Gulf (God forbid), look out.............

[beetlejuice]

Sounds like it's time to move. :o

[NewOrleans]

Latest predictions have Rita in the Gulf at HC level 3 by Wednesday.

My predictions: Level 4 on Thursday at 27N - 90W. This one will finish what Katrina started.

[beetlejuice]

What is going on here anyway with the names of some of the Wilders women? First there was tropical storm Cindy (BeetleBoss) and now there is tropical storm Rita (Rita). You don't think they are trying to take over the world do you? :o :-\

[Triple Helix]

More info here!! http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/19/katrina.impact/index.html They Don't need another problem Down There!! :( :(


>:( >:( >:(

[ronjor]

Our Cindy and Rita wouldn't hurt a flea. :D

There is a problem though, we're running out of names for storms.

2005 Hurricane Names
Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Dennis
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katrina
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rita
Stan
Tammy
Vince
Wilma

[beetlejuice]

Well I guess if they have to, they can always start a new list. I hope not though.

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "Our Cindy and Rita wouldn't hurt a flea. :D " }-

You're probably right there, but they would say---------
;D Boo to a Goose!!! ;D
http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/7269/gunduck60x606em.gif

[LeevesOfNewOrleans]

Repairing the leeves of New Orleans is like repairing the Great Walls of China. Where do you begin? Can the leeves hold back another storm surge?

I would advise anyone going back to New Orleans to get out the minute any hurricane of any strength crosses the 25th parallel.

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "Repairing the leeves of New Orleans is like repairing the Great Walls of China. Where do you begin? Can the leeves hold back another storm surge?
" }-
I heard on the news that the Corp of Engineers expects the levees to only be able to take a 5 foot storm surge, and in a hurricane, that is nothing.

[JimIT]

Link Here (http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/09/21/rita/index.html)

[BadRita]

Theis bad girl is ready to come home. 165 mph winds and she is angry! Mercy, this woman is gonna cause some damage. Best not to be home when Rita walks thru the door!

[beetlejuice]

I used to live in Houston and know how vunerable certain areas are in a hurricane. But with this storm, I would go inland no matter where you live along the Texas coast. Don't even try to ride this one out. It's not worth it. :o

[JimIT]

Wife talked to good friends of ours in CC about 2 hours ago. Mandatory evacuation down there now.

Not looking good for the Texas coast.

:(

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Wife talked to good friends of ours in CC about 2 hours ago. Mandatory evacuation down there now.

Not looking good for the Texas coast.

:(" }-
It surely isn't... :(

There are a lot of members from Texas here at Wilders and hopefully those who will be effected have evacuated to a safer place.

Speaking of that, i see no posts by Ronjor today which is highly unusual. :o

I know he lives in the Houston area but not sure exactly where... :-\

Hopefully all is ok....


snowbound

[JimIT]

I'll bet Ron's taking all precautions to keep himself out of harm's way.

Due to Texas' immense size, we (me) aren't really going to be affected too much by the storm--physically. But the havoc it will likely play with the economy is going to be a pain. :-\

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "It surely isn't... :(

There are a lot of members from Texas here at Wilders and hopefully those who will be effected have evacuated to a safer place.

Speaking of that, i see no posts by Ronjor today which is highly unusual. :o

I know he lives in the Houston area but not sure exactly where... :-\

Hopefully all is ok....


snowbound" }-

BeetleBoss was in contact with Ronjor yesterday. He has headed up north of Houston (Austin area maybe). He said he may be out of contact for several days. We'll let you all know when we hear anything from him.

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "BeetleBoss was in contact with Ronjor yesterday. He has headed up north of Houston (Austin area maybe). He said he may be out of contact for several days. We'll let you all know when we hear anything from him." }-

I figured as much and hopefully everyone there took the proper precautions in wake of Rita...

Thanks BJ and yes, please do keep us up tho speed on Ron's whereabouts and well being.

Detox is another staff member who resides in Texas so hopefully, depending where he is, is prepared for this storm too...


snowbound

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "I figured as much and hopefully everyone there took the proper precautions in wake of Rita...

Thanks BJ and yes, please do keep us up tho speed on Ron's whereabouts and well being.

Detox is another staff member who resides in Texas so hopefully, depending where he is, is prepared for this storm too...


snowbound" }-

Well speaking of Detox, I think the two of them might be BBQ'ing in the super secret Detox underground bunker.

No really I think Ron went to within about 15 miles of Detox's. At least I think I heard something like that.

[Marja]

TO ALL OUR WILDER FAMILY IN TEXAS:

WE WISH YOU 'GODSPEED' - SENDING PRAYERS AND GOOD WISHES!

TAKE CARE NOW - Y'ALL AND Y'ALL COME BACK NOW, Y'HERE!!

{{HUGGS}}

MARJA8)

[Marja]

DON'T MAKE ME PUT MA WADERS' ON...........

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "DON'T MAKE ME PUT MA WADERS' ON..........." }-

Don't worry. There will soon be lots of floundering fish everywhere. Every cats dream. ;D MEOW!!!!!!

[snowbound]

Hey Marja i just saw where there was some excitement down your way at LAX with an airliner having to make an emergency landing. :o

Seems the landing gear was stuck down after takeoff and the front wheel was turned 90 degrees. :o

By the looks of it, the landing went off without a hitch. Great news with something that could have ended in disaster....


snowbound

[bigbuck]

Fingers crossed for all our Texan friends!

[Peaches4U]

-{ Quote: "Our Cindy and Rita wouldn't hurt a flea. :D

There is a problem though, we're running out of names for storms.

2005 Hurricane Names
Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Dennis
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katrina
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rita
Stan
Tammy
Vince
Wilma" }-

What about Janet? It's not that unpopular??? http://www.thinkbabynames.com/name/0/Janet/1

[Marja]

What was that about fish- BJ?? Should I get a net too?!


Sorry, Snowbound, didn't see that, up in the hills where I am, TV is kinda of an afterthought..............http://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/smilies/cheesy.gif


Yeah, Peaches, Janet would make a good name for a Hurricane........she causes a lot of waves! http://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[wildman]

:-* To all who may be in the area of this (%*_+#), our thoughts and prayers are with y'all.

Thanks
Wildman

[beetlejuice]

Latest news----Rita is still getting stronger. Sustained winds now 175 MPH with gusts of 200+MPH. If you live down there, get out now while you still can. We will pray for you all.

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "What was that about fish- BJ?? Should I get a net too?!" }-

I think if you just wait around in the nearest tree, sooner or later one will just come flying by. ;)

-{ Quote: "Yeah, Peaches, Janet would make a good name for a Hurricane........she causes a lot of waves! http://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" }-Maybe you could contact the Hurricane Forecast Center to put that name in just in case they run out of them this year. ;D

[Detox]

-{ Quote: "
Detox is another staff member who resides in Texas so hopefully, depending where he is, is prepared for this storm too...
" }-

I am very close to Austin, which would seem to be OK. However, it's only @222 miles from Galveston on Mapquest unless my memory has gone bad.

-{ Quote: "Well speaking of Detox, I think the two of them might be BBQ'ing in the super secret Detox underground bunker.

No really I think Ron went to within about 15 miles of Detox's. At least I think I heard something like that." }-

I tried to give him my numbers and an invite should he need/want it but I think he had already left his computer access. I do believe I am prepared for anything that should possibly happen this far inland. At the same time Rita could spawn tornadoes etc so... You can never be too careful.

[JimIT]

Hurricane Local Statement
(Expires: Thursday September 22 11:00AM CDT)

hurricane local statement
national weather service houston/galveston tx
534 am cdt thu sep 22 2005

...rita is a dangerous category 5 hurricane with winds near 175 mph...

...hurricane watch is in effect for the upper texas coast...

...inland hurricane watch for all of southeast texas...

...this statement applies to the residents of...galveston...
austin...brazoria...brazos...burleson...chambers...colorado...fort
bend...galveston...grimes...harris...houston...jackson...liberty...
madison...matagorda...montgomery...polk...san jacinto...trinity...
walker...waller...washington...and wharton counties.

...watches/warnings in effect...
hurricane watch for all of the coastal counties of southeast texas.

inland hurricane watch for all of southeast texas.

...current storm information...

.location...
at 4 am cdt...the center of hurricane rita was located near latitude
24.9 north...longitude 88.0 west...or about 515 miles southeast of
galveston texas.

.movement...
hurricane rita was moving west-northwest at 9 mph. this general
motion is expected to continue for the next 24 hours.

.intensity...
maximum sustained winds were estimated at 175 mph with higher gusts.
rita is a dangerous category 5 hurricane and fluctuations in strength
are expected through tomorrow.

...precautionary/preparedness actions...

.evacuation information...
for jackson county...
mandatory evacuation has been declared for the entire county.

for matagorda county...
mandatory evacuation in effect for everyone south of a line from
highway 35 at the brazoria county line to markham then south on
highway 2431 to midfield and then south on highway 111 to the county
line. this currently excludes bay city and van vleck.

although traffic has been heavy as the traffic management plan has
been implemented...traffic movement should accelerate. do not let the
traffic delays halt your efforts to evacuate.

for harris county...
mandatory evacuations are in effect for zone a. zones b and c will
have mandatory evacuations beginning at 6 am.

for galveston and brazoria counties...
mandatory evacuations are in effect for zone a. zone b started a
mandatory evacuation in effect at 2 am. zone c will have a mandatory
evacuation in effect at 6 am. pearland office of emergency management
office has issued a mandatory evacuation for those in flood prone
areas...those in mobile homes or other non-sturdy structures...and for
those with special transportation.

liberty county...
liberty county office of emergency management has asked for a
voluntary evacuation for the entire county. evacuees should travel
north on highway 321 and highway 146. special needs individuals in
need of transportation should contact the sheriffs office.

for fort bend...
voluntary evacuations in effect.

for wharton...mandatory evacuations begin at 6 am.

.school...government...and hospital facility closings...
many independent school districts in galveston...brazoria...
matagorda...jackson...chambers...and harris counties are closed.

lamar...needville...and fort bend independent school districts are
closed.

in addition...all schools in the san jacinto college district and
brazosport college are closed. galveston county government facilities
are closed today. the jamaica beach office of emergency management
is closed.

university of texas medical branch (utmb) in galveston is closed. no
medical care will be available at utmb hospital from this point
forward.

.storm surge and tides...
tide levels are currently running within 1 foot of normal along the
upper texas coast. tide levels are expected to gradually begin rising
later today as swells associated with hurricane rita begin propagating
across the coastal waters. this potential water level rise coupled
with the high tide cycle tonight and early friday morning will likely
result in minor coastal flooding across the lowest areas along the
coast and adjacent to the bays. more significant coastal flooding is
expected to occur at the subsequent high tide cycle which will begin
friday evening and continue into saturday morning.

the following are the high tide times for thursday evening and early
friday morning...as well as the predicted water levels.

location high tide time expected water level
relative to mean lower low
water

pleasure pier 937 pm cdt thu 4.7 feet

port bolivar 1123 pm cdt thu 3.9 feet

galveston channel 1109 pm cdt thu 4.4 feet

san luis pass 1100 pm cdt thu 3.7 feet

jamaica beach 147 am cdt fri 3.9 feet

morgans point 930 am cdt fri 3.5 feet

eagle point 303 am cdt fri 3.4 feet

freeport 949 pm cdt thu 4.4 feet

port oconnor 451 am cdt fri 3.6 feet

clear lake 514 am cdt fri 3.5 feet

.wind impacts...
tropical storm force winds...39 mph or greater...are expected to
reach the upper texas coast around noon friday and spread inland to
the interstate 10 corridor by late afternoon. the tropical storm
force winds are then expected to push northward across the remainder
of southeast texas by around midnight.

the onset of hurricane force winds are expected at the coast by late
friday evening. hurricane force winds are then expected to spread
inland throughout the remainder of friday night and into saturday
afternoon.

an inland hurricane watch has been issued for all of southeast
texas. this means sustained winds greater than 74 mph are possible
over all of southeast texas.

the impacts for sustained winds of 70 to 90 mph with gusts 100 to 110
mph are as follows...
very dangerous winds will produce widespread damage. destruction of
mobile homes are likely!

structural damage...
the majority of mobile homes may be severely damaged. those that
survive could be uninhabitable. houses of poor to average
construction may receive major damage...including partial wall
collapse and roofs being lifted off. many could be uninhabitable.
well constructed houses may incur minor damage to shingles...siding...
gutters...and blown out windows. up to one quarter of gabled roofs
may fail.

partial roof failure is possible at industrial parks...especially to
those buildings with light weight steel and aluminum coverings. older
low rising apartment roofs may also be torn off...as well as receiving
siding and shingle damage. up to one quarter of all glass in high
rise office buildings may be blown out. airborne debris may cause
damage...injury...and possible fatalities.

natural damage...
all trees with rotting bases may uproot or snap. nearly all large
branches should snap. between one quarter and one half of healthy
small to medium sized trees may be snapped or uprooted.

.rainfall...
8 to 12 inches of rain...with localized higher amounts...is expected
through the duration of the event. inland flooding is likely friday
night and saturday.

for more tropical weather information...see the national hurricane
center web page at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov or the houston/galveston
national weather service web page at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/hgx.

the next hurricane rita statement will be issued around 11 am cdt

[JimIT]

-{ Quote: "I am very close to Austin, which would seem to be OK. However, it's only @222 miles from Galveston on Mapquest unless my memory has gone bad. You can never be too careful." }-

Button 'er up, 'tox. It'll be a pretty good blow down there. Forecast for us here in the Metroplex is 45-50 mph winds w/4-5 inches of rain, so it's gonna be worse down there in 'horn country... :o

[JimIT]

(From NOAA and NWS):

...major hurricane rita path changes...north texas still may feel
affects...

significant changes to the landfall and decay path of hurricane
rita have occurred overnight.

hurricane rita is now expected to make landfall along the upper
texas gulf coast prior to sunrise on saturday. rita has remained
a category 5 storm on the saffir-simpson scale overnight and at
897 mb...it continues to be the third lowest atlantic storm
central pressure ever. fortunately the hurricane should weaken
before making landfall...but is still expected to be a dangerous
category 4 storm.

after the storm makes landfall...the hurricane should weaken
as it moves inland. the latest forecast track from the national
hurricane center would bring the weakening hurricane north to near
palestine saturday night and northeast of paris during the early
morning hours on sunday.

three big factors have created the change in path. first...hurricane
rita has already moved further north then originally expected.
second...the ridge that is keeping rita moving west has started to
weaken. and finally...almost all of our models have moved the
landfall position further east overnight.

while the change in forecast path would significantly reduce some
of the impacts on north texas...we are still far from out of the
woods. if the ridge of high pressure does not break down fast
enough...the storm could still move further west and bring
significant greater impacts.

here are some expected effects for north texas...both with the
current path and with a more westerly landfall and decay.

1. heavy rainfall and flooding. with the latest forecast path...3 to 5
inches will still be possible for eastern areas of north texas...generally
east of a line from bonham...to centerville. a more westward
landfall would increase the threat of flooding and rain amounts
significantly.

2. strong winds. expect 40 to 60 mph sustained winds :o ...with higher
gusts in squalls...east of a line from hearne to corsicana and
canton. these winds may be strong enough to knock down trees...power
lines and cause localized minor structural damage. residents
should prepare for interruptions in power service. also
remember...mobile homes often roll over during periods of high
winds and can easily be damaged by falling trees. winds should
taper off to 30 to 40 mph sunday morning as rita continues to
weaken...but these winds will likely be felt over eastern sections of
north texas. residents across all of north texas should secure
small and lightweight outdoor objects.

3. a few tornadoes. as with all land falling hurricanes...isolated
tornadoes will be possible. this will be most likely along and to
the east of a line from bonham to centerville.

4. travel problems. increased traffic on inter-states as people
evacuate from the hurricane. wet roads...heavy rainfall and increased
traffic could lead to delays and accidents. some airline delays will
be possible. allow extra time to reach your destinations this
weekend.

dissipating hurricanes have moved across north texas many times in
the past...typically with some wind damage and flash flooding as
well as river flooding. residents and those planning travel across
north texas this weekend should be prepared for this system and stay
tuned to the latest weather information.

[JimIT]

(FROM NOAA AND NWS):

tropical storm force winds (39 to 73 mph) can be expected across
portions of south central texas generally along and east of a
lexington to bastrop to gonzales to yorktown line with some gusts of
hurricane force (74 mph and greater) possible. an inland tropical
storm watch has been issued for that area. tropical storm force
gusts are possible west of the watch area to a burnet to san antonio
to campbellton line. localized wind damage is possible. precautions
should be taken to secure loose or lightweight objects that may be
blown around. tree trimming may also be in order to reduce the
chances of limb damage to people and property.

very heavy rainfall can also be expected across eastern portions of
south central texas. this may result in flash flooding where the
bands of rainfall move over the same areas. flash flood watches or
warnings may have to be issued.

isolated tornadoes are possible mainly to the east of the track of
the hurricane. so...the threat for south central texas is somewhat
reduced due to the more easterly track.

people residing in or traveling into south central texas should
monitor the progress of hurricane rita from national weather
service forecasts and statements.

[BeetleBoss]

Detox,

Please, keep us updated {if you can} ... and I hope somehow your able to get in touch Ron.

My prayers are with you both. STAY SAFE!!

and please, don't be too proud to ask for help.

[Marja]

I am sure ALL of Wilders' agrees with BBoss - Reach out if you need too, that's why we are all here - to help one another......and this sounds like a time for help!

Take Care!! Ron and Detox, and all ya all!!

Sending Prayers and Good Wishes!

Marjahttp://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/smilies/cool.gif

[JimIT]

One angry lady...

[BeetleBoss]

Its like watching a monster getting ready to attacks my friends and family. And every minute it seems to be getting bigger and more powerful. This is soooo heartbreaking. :'( :'( :'( I just can't stop thinking of all the terrible Katrina pictures. And my buddies are gonna be going through that same thing.

I know, Marja, they are smart guys. And I pray they wouldn't take any chances. http://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/other/PRAY.GIF

[wildman]

:-* Not often is the Wildman at a loss for words, but to use a phrase LOL. My prayers are with all who may be in the path of this monster. To all our friends "we are here if you need us".

Thanks
Wildman
:-*

[JimIT]

-{ Quote: "Its like watching a monster getting ready to attacks my friends and family. And every minute it seems to be getting bigger and more powerful. This is soooo heartbreaking. :'( :'( :'( I just can't stop thinking of all the terrible Katrina pictures. And my buddies are gonna be going through that same thing.

I know, Marja, they are smart guys. And I pray they wouldn't take any chances. http://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/other/PRAY.GIF " }-

Thanks for the well wishes, everyone. Not as much to worry about up here, but still concerning.

Speaking for my Texan brethren: We're Texans. We'll be ready. ;)

[buttoni]

I lived in Galveston for over 30 years and moved to Temple (north of Austin) two years ago, thank god. Decided I'd had enough of it! Offered refuge in my home to all my Galveston long-time friends, though none have taken me up on the offer yet. That may change in the next 24 hours.

I'm getting particularly upset by the shots of traffic bottled up on I45. I thought TxDot learned their lesson in Hurricane Allen. When we evacuated for that one I truly expected to be sitting right there stalled in my car in Conroe, north of Houston, when it made landfall! It took us an hour to get from one exit sign to the actual exit 1 mile away!! You couldn't make any headway, nor could you change lanes and get off, either! I truly felt trapped and helpless on the highway and was regretting evacuating at all, actually! At that precise momemt I decided that would be my very last hurricane evacuation and would definitely be moving more inland when we retired!

Officials said they learned a lesson in that one and would open all but one of the southbound lanes to northbound traffic in future hurricane evacs. So why did they just decide to do this late today?!?! It should have been done from the time they declared mandatory evacuations on Wednesday morning! There has been virtually NO southbound traffic on the roadways for the last two days!!! TxDot is simply going to have to implement this faster from now on! You simply can't evac 1.5 million people on four lanes!!!! Sounds like they didn't learn that lesson after all.

I pray those people on I45 get far enough north by tomorrow afternoon to be able to get to cover in one of the shelters in towns along the way. No motel rooms to be had anywhere between th coast and Dallas or El Paso at this point. All are now fully booked or were already filled with Katrina victims. What a mess!

[BeetleBoss]

WOW!! That sounds unbelievable......Stay safe, Peggy!! http://www.graphicsplayground.us/Forum/style_emoticons/default/a050.gif

[Detox]

Cell network seems overloaded - just tried to make a few calls and got "system busy."

Did some grocery shopping this morning and the Sam's in Austin was totally out of water and very low on bread - almost same story at the nearby HEB exept they still had a little water. I have more than enough for a long time at home already anyway so I just got the refunds on a couple bottles while I was there and got some other stuff we needed anyway. Lines at gas stations everywhere and people very obviously from out of town looking to buy food.

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "Cell network seems overloaded - just tried to make a few calls and got "system busy."" }-
Hi Detox. If you hear anything from Ron please let us know? That's not surprising. Land Lines will probably be like that too.

[wildman]

:) Now is the time to put as much potable water in any container that will hold and keep it, also stock up on as much portable non perishable food items as you possibly can also. If you have to leave turn off all your power, gas and water. Think in terms of not being able to obtain food and water for up to seven days.

Hey when you live in earthquake country you do this, so it could apply in this situation also.

Again our prayers are with y'all.

Thanks
Wildman
:-*

[Detox]

I probably tend to have food and water that could last over a month around the house anyway - we have a little more this time ;-)

The cell phone started working against after an hour or so. I would assume either the company compensated for the usage or it was just a glitch (happens now and then anyway).

I do hope to hear from Ron especially since he is in my neck of the woods but I fear I may have posted to him after he had left.

[RobZee]

Mayor White of Houston & County Judge Eckels just announced that unless you are in the "surge" zone, do NOT evacuate at this time. I have a friend who drove 11 hours & only went 28 miles. Gasoline impossible to get on the road, 100 degree heat, overheating has made evacuation unbelievable. Galveston evacuated & all hospitals etc. totally evauated on the island.
We were considering going to north of Dallas, but more than 24+ hour trip. So most of our neighbors are staying here. A number of us in the area were here for Carla, a Cat.5 in 1961. Were have a good supply of food, water batteries and faith.
Here a a few links -
http://www.chron.com/
http://www.khou.com/
http://www.click2houston.com/index.html

Rob

[mercurie]

Fellow Creatures,
I am concerned about Ronjor. He may either be fleeing area. :-\

Or helping others. Just look what he does around here.

Be well friend and look to hear from you soon.

[RobZee]

A couple more links -
http://www.ktrh.com/local.html
http://hurricane.terrapin.com/text/TRKATLUS.GIF
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170105,00.html

Total potential evacuees is about 4.5 million, so total traffic nightmare inevitable. Everyone seems to be heeding all the alerts and cooperating, due in part to the Katrina experiences etched in everyone's memory and the great attitude this community has always shown in celebrating victories and addressing emergencies. Our mayor & county judge overall are highly visible and pushing buttons of governmental and corporate entities. Everything has been going as well as could be hoped for IMHO, especially in view of the fact that the last of 28,000 Katrina evacuees were just dealt with 4 days ago. Overall very good coordination of efforts with the various governmental levels & organizations involved. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning of events.

Rob

[RobZee]

This blog post says it well-
http://blogs.chron.com/sciguy/

[buttoni]

I lived on Galveston Island for over thirty years and really feel for the folks that were stranded on I-45. Was there myself evacuating for Hurricane Allen and remember how helpless I felt stranded in that mess. And we left far in advance of the evacuation orders! Once Houston decides to evacuate, the roads clog and nobody south of it can get out. I remember you couldn't change lanes, couldn't get off, couldn't get to a bathroom. I truly felt "trapped" and fully expected to be sitting there in my car in Conroe when Allen hit. At that momemt I said to my husband, never again. We're moving off the coast and we did when we retired two years ago. Houston and the coastal cities said they learned they would have to open all lanes to outbound only next time, but they apparently forgot this lesson. Should have opened up lanes Tuesday, not Thursday!

I live in Temple, just north of Austin, now. We could lose power and see some wind or rain flooding, but will fare much better than Galveston and Houston. I offered refuge to my friends evacuating, but no takers yet. Guess everyone is going to relatives homes. That may change in the next 12-18 hours if the roads don't improve. Heard this morning they are beginning to clear out in the southern areas and around Houston. Still heavy traffice towards Dallas, though.

I've been making block ice in my chest freezer all week to avoid frozen food spoilage if we should lose power. Have a solar powered radio, lots of drinking water and stockpiled water in containers for cooking/laundry/hygeine use. I remember Katrina damage was pretty bad as far inland as Jackson, Miss. halfway up the state, so I prepare for that eventuality. I always have a well-stocked pantry of canned goods and we have full ensemble of camping gear, so I could live without city services for a long time.

We did this evac thing so many years we have it down to a fine art! ;D Plus my husband was a survivalist in his previous live. ;D ;D It's amazing, but with a little forethought, preparation and planning at the beginning of each hurricane season, coastal residents can do a lot themselves to reduce the discomfort these things cause. You just can't wait until the storm threats occur. Some things you can't avoid, but many you can. But as we all know, few folks do this.

I pray the storm surge doesn't whip around the back bay side of Galveston or she will be under water. Drains off quickly, but I fear the island would lose it's east and west ends if submerged as it was in the 1900 storm. They's just wash away. The island has always feared this possibility.

Say a little prayer for all the coastal evacuees. May their damages be minimal.

[RobZee]

A sad repeat for New Orleanians

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/09/23/D8CQ2R2O1.html

[RobZee]

-{ Quote: "And we left far in advance of the evacuation orders! Once Houston decides to evacuate, the roads clog and nobody south of it can get out. " }-

For Rita, evacuations were done in stages with Galveston being first. People complied with orders, but the total number of people to evacuate and the limited concrete on which to do it is a problem that has been defined for decades but never solved. The continued development of the coastal areas, especially in Brazoria county far outstripped the evacuation capability growth.

In general. living on the Island is questionable in any event. It doesn't take an actual hurricane to wield devastation to the Gulf Coast

[wildman]

::) To say this whole situation is a mess would be a grouse understatement. I now fear for all those people stuck on the freeways and roads, I pray for all of them. I also urge all of us to get on our soap boxes and come up with a better plan than apparently is the current situation. Perhaps we should be looking toward how the area(s) can be fortified or retrofitted to withstand these monsters. I am no expert in this stuff, but I do know that what we have now is not sufficient. Money is going to be spent, of that there is no doubt, so lets try and get the best we possibly can for any future occurrences.

Thanks
Wildman
:-*

[beetlejuice]

-{ Quote: "::) To say this whole situation is a mess would be a grouse understatement. I now fear for all those people stuck on the freeways and roads, I pray for all of them. I also urge all of us to get on our soap boxes and come up with a better plan than apparently is the current situation. Perhaps we should be looking toward how the area(s) can be fortified or retrofitted to withstand these monsters. I am no expert in this stuff, but I do know that what we have now is not sufficient. Money is going to be spent, of that there is no doubt, so lets try and get the best we possibly can for any future occurrences.

Thanks
Wildman
:-*" }-

There are ways to build tornado/hurricane proof structures, houses, other buildings (w/solid concrete walls 1-2 feet thick), however the builders and the public would never opt for the safety of these structures vs. the cost unless the Gov. were to pay for it all.

[snowbound]

I would think the first thing they should do is somwhow replace the marshlands(natural barrier to bad weather) in these areas that have slowly been destroyed by good old urban sprawl....


snowbound

[RobZee]

-{ Quote: "There are ways to build tornado/hurricane proof structures, houses, other buildings (w/solid concrete walls 1-2 feet thick), however the builders and the public would never opt for the safety of these structures vs. the cost unless the Gov. were to pay for it all." }-

The building codes in this area and inmuch of Florida incorporate standards that make structures hurricane-resistant to a certain extent, However in the real world there is a limit.

Remember, in the course of its brief life, a typical Caribbean hurricane releases the destructive power of 100,000 Hiroshima atomic bombs.

-{ Quote: "I would think the first thing they should do is somwhow replace the marshlands(natural barrier to bad weather) in these areas that have slowly been destroyed by good old urban sprawl...." }-

Of course you are aware of the efforts to restore much of the beaches, etc., but it's hard (impossible?) to overcome Mother Nature. As to building in such area in the first place, perhaps that should have been condered by the Allen brothers who founded Houston a couple hundred years ago. Many similar statements could be made about Louisiana or Homestead Airforce Base in Florida (demolished by Andrew in 1992) or various wonderful cities along the eastern seaboard.
Over the ages, mankind has continued to live in areas which would otherwise defy rational explanations, whether it's for the wealth of natural resources from which everyone derives benefit. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, unbelievably cold or hot environments. And then there's exploration of outer space.
Having spent a couple of weeks assisting evacuees from Katrina and now having to face a major hurricane within the next few hours myself, I'll leave the philosophizing to others.

Rob

[RobZee]

I will recommend thses two blogs -
For general info -
http://blogs.chron.com/sciguy/

For great graphics that showcase the tornado potential of Rita, which is significant-
http://www.wunderground.com/blog/SteveGregory/show.html

Two hits on the petroleum industry accounting for a substantial part of the nation's petroleum supply - from exploration to production to refining - be ready for the impact of it on our lives, from gasoline to natural gas to heating oil to petrochemical to rust belt manufacturing

Rob

[RobZee]

Clouds roll in over a staue commerating the 1900 hurricane, before Hurricane Rita approaches in Galveston, Texas. Hurricane Rita roared toward the US coast with 205 kilometer (125 mile) an hour winds, having claimed its first deaths and inflicted renewed flooding on storm-stricken New Orleans(AFP/James Nielsen)

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050923/photos_wl_afp/050923084118_bzexwqcp_photo3

[ronjor]

Buy that house on the beach you've always dreamed of-----------

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: "Buy that house on the beach you've always dreamed of-----------" }-
hmm... to much turmoil on the eastern seaboard. Anything on the west coast Ron? ;) ;D



snowbound

[BeetleBoss]

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/other/BUBBLECHEW.GIF

http://img282.imageshack.us/img282/9742/image11wx.jpg

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/images/other/SMILEEYEBROW.GIF

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "hmm... to much turmoil on the eastern seaboard. Anything on the west coast Ron? ;) ;D



snowbound" }-
;D I just keep these handy.

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/06/6d/wellMedicineOTCAllRolaids_Antacid_Tablets-resized200.gif

[snowbound]

-{ Quote: ";D I just keep these handy.

http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/06/6d/wellMedicineOTCAllRolaids_Antacid_Tablets-resized200.gif" }-
LOL,

i bet. :D ;) ;D


snowbound

[RobZee]

Contrary to initial reports by many media outlets, Rita had a considerable effect on the petroleum exploration & production industry-
http://finance.myway.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_rt.jsp?section=news&news_id=dji-00110720050928&feed=dji&date=20050928&cat=INDUSTRY




NEWS WRAP:Rita May Have Damaged More Oil Rigs Than Katrina

Wednesday September 28, 6:12 PM EDT

DALLAS (AP)--Hurricane Rita may have caused more damage to rigs and platforms than any Gulf of Mexico storm - even its formidable predecessor Hurricane Katrina, oil and gas analysts said on Wednesday.

The double-whammy of those hurricanes has already cost the Gulf almost 7% of its annual oil production and 5% of its yearly natural gas output, according to a report Wednesday from the U.S. Minerals Management Service.

"The impact on the rigs is something that's never been seen by this country before," said Daniel Naatz, director of federal resources for the Independent Petroleum Association of America.

ODS-Petrodata, which provides data and information to the industry, reported 13 rigs already seriously damaged or destroyed by Rita. Platform damage still is being assessed, said Tom Marsh, ODS analyst.

"You may think that 13 is not a significant amount, but this is 10% of the contracted fleet out of service for various lengths of time or in some cases permanently," Marsh said.

Meanwhile, 9 of 12 pipelines that move gas and oil onshore remain shut down or operate at less than 100% capacity, according to the latest report by the Association of Oil Pipelines.

Refineries in the hardest-hit area of Beaumont and Port Arthur, Texas, plus Lake Charles, La., still are not operating, costing about 1.7 million barrels a day of refined products, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

They include:

- Citgo Petroleum Corp.'s Lake Charles 324,000-barrel-a-day facility.

- ConocoPhillips (COP) Co.'s (COP) West Lake, La., 239,000-barrel-a-day refinery.

- Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM)'s (XOM) 348,000-barrel-a-day Beaumont plant, the largest producer in that area.

- A 285,000-barrel-a-day joint venture between Royal Dutch Shell PLC's Shell Oil Co. (RD, RDSB.LN) and Motiva Enterprises LLC (RD).

- Total SA's (TOT) 233,500-barrel-a-day Port Arthur facility.

- Valero Energy Corp. (VLO)'s (VLO) 255,000-barrel-a-day plant in Port Arthur.

The slow pace of recovery for the Gulf refineries, rigs and platforms, and concerns about demand for heating oil this winter and for gasoline as the economy bounces back from Katrina and Rita, drove up oil futures on Wednesday.

Light, sweet crude for November delivery rose $1.28 to $66.35 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas futures for October rose more than $1 to $13.907 per million British thermal units.

Heating oil gained more than 7 cents to settle at $2.1411 a gallon, while gasoline gained more than 17 cents to settle at $2.3393 a gallon - an increase of about 8%.

Industry executives and analysts say consumers and companies should brace for an expensive winter. And natural gas prices could soar more than fuel oil because, unlike crude oil, there are no natural gas reserves to tap.

Since Katrina struck, the country has received an occasional oil injection from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the Paris-based International Energy Agency.

"This would be a good time to have a warm winter," said Ron Gold, vice president of the Petroleum Industry Research Foundation.

Assessing damage is taking longer than post-Katrina efforts with some findings not expected until late this week or early next week.

Companies were still evaluating the damage wrought by Katrina when Rita bore down on the country's energy hub.

The U.S. Minerals Management Service reported that 593 platforms and 64 rigs still remain evacuated. That's 72% of the 819 manned platforms and 48% of the 134 rigs with operations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Rigs are tethered to the Gulf's floor and not nearly as secure in storms. They typically are evacuated before platforms, which are used to pump the oil once the well has been drilled.

"I hate to say with absolute certainty that this is the worst storm damage we've seen, but we have had more rigs reported with severe damage than any other storm I can recall in the last 15 years," said Marsh of ODS-Petrodata.

Marsh said the company's pre-hurricane projections had already called for a rig shortage by early next year, but the back-to-back storms could push that shortage to as early as November.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

09-28-05 1812ET

Copyright (c) 2005 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

© 2005 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.




related quotes
Symbol Last Trade Change
XOM
64.70
+0.08
VLO
116.12
+3.54
RD
63.83
+0.08
TOT
137.23
+1.81
COP
69.50
+0.52

related stories
· 2nd UPDATE: Gulf Gas Outages Persist, Raising Concerns - (Dow Jones)
· US Refinery Outages After Rita Seen Stretching Into Weeks - (Dow Jones)
· NEWS WRAP:Rita May Have Damaged More Oil Rigs Than Katrina - (Dow Jones)
· Shell Deer Pk Refinery Restart Begins, To Go Into Next Week - (Dow Jones)
· ConocoPhillips Announces Discovery Offshore Australia's Northern Territory - (Business Wire)
More...

[RobZee]

http://finance.myway.com/jsp/nw/nwdt_rt.jsp?section=news&news_id=dji-00112120050928&feed=dji&date=20050928&cat=INDUSTRY

2nd UPDATE: Gulf Gas Outages Persist, Raising Concerns

HOUSTON -(Dow Jones)- Volumes of U.S. oil and natural gas production shut down in the Gulf of Mexico in the wake of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina failed to show any improvement Wednesday, according to the Minerals Management Service, even as companies said they were restarting some output.

One hundred percent of oil production in the region, or 1.5 million barrels a day, remained off line, the MMS said. Suspended natural gas volumes actually worsened, with 8.02 billion cubic feet a day of natural gas shut in, or 80% of total gas production, up from 78.56% on Tuesday.

Delays in restoring production are having a sharp impact on the natural gas market, where traders are concerned persistent outages will eat into inventories needed for the winter, when demand significantly exceeds supply.

The supply gap yawns so widely that some traders are saying prices will have to rise much higher to destroy enough demand to balance the market.

"You're just not building storage," says George Speicher, a gas futures trader at Dow Inc. "I don't care how much demand destruction there is if 75% of the gas is down in the Gulf."

[NewOrleans]

New Orleans ready to re-open this Friday. Man, I'm ready.