Gulf Coast States

[JennRN]

Originally Posted by SWTXBelle

The waves are already coming up over the sea wall - and it is low tide.

Please, please Galvestonians - get the hell out. Remember 1900?? (Well, no, you wouldn't PERSONALLY remember the 1900 Storm, but how can you be on the Island and not have that in your mind?) Parts of the Island have started to flood, and it's not even just the water - mud and sand has been pushed up over parts of the road by the waves. It's going to be bad for Galveston.

eta - You may not know that ALL of Galveston is NOT behind the sea wall. A large part of the island is not protected, and the hurricane is scheduled to hit during high tide. Very, very bad.

Here in Houston - it really is the calm before the storm. We feel pretty good about our preparations. Tree limbs were trimmed yesterday, picked up loose debris, we've got water, will go get ice, and we have carbolicious food supplies laid by. At this point, I'm ready for it to be over!

I think the West End is already starting to flood. And the storm still hasn't even hit yet.

I lived in G town for 5 years and survived a few tropical storms but no hurricanes. If I were still living there at this point, I would have gotten the hell out. The island floods so easily-even the parts behind the seawall-and I saw what the flooding was like for tropical storms, and I can't even imagine how bad this is going to be. I am really really worried for them.

Some of my friends in Houston were like-forget the grocery store, I'm headed to Spec's to stock up!!
I'm worried about them too.

[Munchkin03]

The FL Panhandle got some flooding behind this storm yesterday, and some of the roads along the Gulf of Mexico were washed over, but not washed out. Keep in mind that the FL Panhandle is 800 or so miles from where landfall is expected. This hurricane is crazy!

[Army Wife'79]

Belle, keep us posted as long as you can. We appreciate the updates since many of us have friends near Houston.

I wonder what happened to the OP?

[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.

[txdiva]

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

[AGDee]

Live coverage from a TV station in Houston

http://www.click2houston.com/video/10903347/index.html

[em_adpi]

I'm in North Texas but I have sisters whose families are down south (my own is in San Antonio) and they're doing okay from what I know of.

We're expecting quite a bit of rain and wind here, but we'll see what happens. My roommate and I bought a few precautionary items just in case we lose power.

[JennRN]

The bar in Galveston?? It's called the Poop Deck and it's a shady biker bar...but good times for us nursing/medical students who lived in Gtown back in the day...they always ride out the storm, but I fear that this time we may not catch them on the flip side.....
Meabwhile preperations in Htown are going strong..these are some pics from friends who chose to stay in Houston...before the storm...
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...5033397&page=2

[epchick]

This picture is both scary & cool at the same time.




why people stand at the beach while Ike starts to come on shore is beyond me....