Gulf Coast States

I wonder what happened to the OP?

[ComradesTrue]

SWTX (or srmom, or any other Houstonian)-

Are they expecting the medical district to flood again or have they fixed the issues that caused those problems a few years back?

And why the hale is Geraldo still broadcasting from Galveston???? Moron!

Saying prayers for all those along the coast. Hang in there!

[ComradesTrue]

They just showed a bunch of idiots who are going to ride out the enitre storm at a beachside bar in Galveston... as in right on the seawall. The windows are all open and the group (about 25-30) are all drinking, dancing, and videoing it on their cell phones at this exact moment.

Fine if you want to be a dipisht. Just stop risking the lives of others who are stuck coming to rescue you.

[SWTXBelle]

I'm hoping the first responders will stick to NOT responding, as per the mayor's warning. If you are in Galveston now - yes, I'm talking to you Geraldo - you are an idiot and deserve your fate.

It is hard to say how bad it will be. As I was standing in line (for an hour and a half) for a bag of ice, we were discussing how we don't believe a word that comes out of newscaster's mouths. It LOOKS as though Ike may hit as a category 2, which would be much better than the 3 or 4 they were predicting earlier. Skies are now overcast, small bands of rain have begun to come through. I haven't heard anything about the Medical Center - God knows, they've been doing a lot of construction and road work around there, so let's hope some of the drainage issues have been addresseed.

[AGDee]

What they're saying on the Weather Channel is that it's coming in with Category 2 winds but that the storm surge is a Category 4 level storm surge and that is the big risk.

[Army Wife'79]

I feel bad for the Coast Guard folks who are risking their own lives now rescuing people who wouldn't evacuate.
I think the 911 operators should just not answer the phones but the newscaster just said "If you are in danger of the storm now you should call 911".

[KSUViolet06]

Hope everybody in Ike's path stays safe!

On a slightly funny note: I was watching the CNN coverage and saw a tow truck with a sign saying "Go home Ike, Tina's not here."

[SWTXBelle]

Coast Guard has called off a rescue attempt - 22 on a tanker whose engine failed 100 miles out of Galveston. 80 knot (130 mph) winds meant they (CG) had to turn around. Eternal Father, strong to save . . . .

There is a fire at the Galveston Yacht Basin - can't do anything about it.

They are now predicting it will arrive around midnight. Mayor White is just now speaking - by 6:30 we should start having hurricane force winds, so they want us off the highways. No problem! Also, looters have been warned - curfews begin at 7 for all places with a mandatory evacuation order. Apparently, the sheriff saw some dimwits kayaking down Buffalo Bayou.

Me? I'm getting ready to bathe my boys - don't know when we'll be able to have warm baths and showers after tonight. Washing clothes, dishes, anything we can - got the crates inside for the dogs - now it's just a waiting game.

[KSUViolet06]

Be safe over there Belle. Keep us posted as long as you can safely do so.

[SWTXBelle]

Winds are REALLY picking up - they say rain should start soon. Mason Creek is right behind my house, but has been deepened so much flooding shouldn't be a problem.

I just want it to be over . . .and it has barely begun.

Army and National Guard are right down the road at Tully Stadium. They'll wait out the storm and then once it is over they will help evacuees return. They've been busing special needs citizens and others out of low-lying areas. Two buses that had gone out had to return because of the winds. They were headed to Seabrook, where my crazy uncle is riding out the storm in his third story condo. We're not happy about him being there. Why, oh WHY would you want to be in harm's way when it is so easy to drive a few hours and be safe?

[nate2512]

I didn't evacuate this one, we're getting ready to take Ike head on.

[FSUZeta]

prayers and good wishes for all our texas gc'ers.

[SWTXBelle]

The lights are flickering.
It is too damn early to lose power.

At least I got my shower in before it went! If you don't hear from me, it means the power is finally out, and I am sulking in the dark.

[ComradesTrue]

Looks like Belle is offline.. .sending good thoughts her way.

[txdiva]

Ike's coming our way tomorrow morning or afternoon. Please keep my family and all of the Texas GCers in your prayers.