192 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

May I add my prayers for all those in the path and worried they are in the path. It is so scary not knowing. kamala

[Mermaid Lady]

The projected path is shifting up towards Houston again.

Man, I have been tracking the storm for almost two weeks now and I am really getting sick of it. X(

[Scubatooth]

Mermaid Lady

I will agree with you on that, this storm was originally supposed to hit last weekend but was slow coming through the Caribbean(slowed from its original 21 MPH W to 8MPH WNW). This isnt looking good for houston and surrounding areas.

I would second the going to San Antonio if your in the Houston area as the I45 corridor is going to be a mess.

Im still in Dallas but that could change at any moment. I do know that some of the FEMA crews i worked with almost 2 weeks ago are still on the gulfcoast and on standby for IKE and being on this high alert for so long is starting to take its toll on them (Adrenalin fatique/dump) as being on high alert for to long.

Tooth

[WreckWench]

I just spoke with Scubapunk and she is now safely evacuated to College Station for both personal and work. Keep her and our other members in your thoughts and prayers that NOTHING happens to them nor their families, friends and property.

[scubagoddess]

I just got off the phone with a friend from the Dallas area who has friends in Houston who called looking for a place to stay. Apparently the friends have a connection with someone official in the tracking and evac planning who contacted them directly ahead of time (this friend is handicapped) with information that the bay areas were going to be told to evacuate beginning tomorrow AM and that I-45 was going to be unidirectional beginning tomorrow am for the evacuation.

Take this FWIW as it is second hand to me, but I thought it might be handy information to those living in the area.

My prayers are with all living in the projected path of IKE.

[WreckWench]

Thank you for the update Cindy! I hope our Houston/Galveston members remain unharmed.

[Mitch0129]

Kamala, others, thanks so much for your well wishes. I have been tracking the storm and see that it had made a course for the Houston area. It is due to make landfall in Freeport sometime Friday. I am going to make a decision tomorrow (Thursday) to decide if I will come up like I did when Rita came here a few years ago.

[Mitch0129]

Thought I would mention that many high school football games here have either been cancelled or moved up a day in the schedule. A college football game between Houston and Air Force has been moved to SMU. There is a lot of preparation going on.

As I said, I will make a decision tommorrow whether to leave town, will keep you posted.

[mantarraya]

I am starting to bet that I won't get my Halloween dive trip. I am packing up on Galveston's West End. First thing tomorrow, someone is coming over to help me with a few things I can't do by myself, then I am out of here. I have had a hinky feeling about this storm from the start of its formation off of Africa (maybe because it was named Ike - like South Park's "Blame Canada" Ike). Oddly enough, if you compare the forecast for Rita at 10 pm Wed to that of this storm, it is not that much different. My selfish hope is that is jumps to the other side of me, and that is certainly possible at this point. They really have waited too long to call for mandatory evacuations this time. They only called mandatory West End evacs late today, and the city is still only voluntary. This should be quite the ride.

Edited by mantarraya, 10 September 2008 - 11:28 PM.

[dustbowl diver]

I know for the folks in the Corpus area, mandatory evac started this AM at 7. I spoke with my Aunt in AP, she is taking my Grandma to Edinburg, Another Aunt headed toward San Antonio and an Uncle headed to Terrell. Thoughts and prayers to all board members, their families, friends, etc in the way off this storm!!

[Cajun Diver]

They called a mandatory evacuation in my area this morning so those of you in Houston don't go east or you'll be hitting our traffic too.

This storm does act a lot like Rita which cause quite a bit of damage for us (eye wall went right over my house...) since it kept shifting east of official predictions. Let's hope it gets sheared and comes in as a smaller storm for whoever gets hit directly.

[dive_sail_etc]

A moment please, to consider...

I am sure I speak for us all when I offer empathy for the trials of coastal denizens in general and hurricane vets (heck, rookies too) in particular. I've logged my turns in the storm barrel (primarily Pensacola) and appreciate the toll on body, mind and spirit when grappling to protect life and loved ones. Know this: You are not alone, and can expect legions of caring souls standing by to rush in and assist.

Obvious Fun-Fact: There is NO substitute for planning and preparation. (Okay, haul the soapbox outta here...)

Another OF-F: As shown from IR and visible sats, Ike is a sprawling juggernaut, currently boasting H1 winds up to 100 miles (!!) from the eye. Please don't assume, as I have myself to my ultimate dismay, that only those in proximity to landfall "ground zero" are at real risk. (Anyone need a spare soapbox?)

Watching and Praying,
Brad

[Mermaid Lady]

They called a mandatory evacuation in my area this morning so those of you in Houston don't go east or you'll be hitting our traffic too.

This storm does act a lot like Rita which cause quite a bit of damage for us (eye wall went right over my house...) since it kept shifting east of official predictions. Let's hope it gets sheared and comes in as a smaller storm for whoever gets hit directly.

Yeah. I'm equipped to ride out the storm, but really need to find a safe place to put my car. I can't really afford to replace it and insurance won't give me much for it due to its age.

I may yet evac. Will decide no later than 6pm tonite. Anyone in Dallas willing to take in a refugee??

Edited by Mermaid Lady, 11 September 2008 - 06:39 AM.

[Elena]

Anyone in Dallas willing to take in a refugee??

Hi Texans,

I am currently in another hemisphere, but my sunshine club near Austin has sent today the invitation below to anyone who needs a safe shelter to weather the storm. Wish you all guys to safely get through this disaster.

Elena

-------------------------------------------------------

This is a invitation to fellow AANR clubs, members, families,
and visitors in the path of the hurricane. At Star Ranch we have more
than a few R.V. sites, cabins, and rooms available for rent to ride
out the storm. We are located 30 miles east of Austin, Texas. Our
prayers go out to everyone facing this dire situation.

You may contact Star Ranch at 512-273-2257 or (866) 705-5978. Please
send email requests to info@starranch. net or
reservations@ starranch. net. Our website can be found at
http://www.starranch.net for further questions.

Thank You and God Bless,
Terry P.
Member, Star Ranch Club McDade, Texas