Hurricane Rita

[Queen Quinnella]

I live near the Texas Gulf Coast (40 miles inland). People around here are just freaking out about Rita. They are boarding up their houses, stocking up on food/water, and leaving.
I have seen 2 different projection paths. One brings it in right south of us and another takes it much farther west towards the Brownsville/Mexico area. I don't know what to do. Go ahead and get ready to leave (and I'm taking my cats with us) or just wait it out? Is anyone else on the DIS in my area? (60 miles Southwest of Houston) What are you planning on doing?

 

[ducklite]

My heart goes out for everyone in her path.

If you are 40 miles inland, storm surge shouldn't be a problem. I think I'd decide whether or not to leave based on the construction of my home.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Anne

 

[cynsaun]

Be safe!

I am just sick watching this hurricane.

 

[Rajah]

I'm in the Clear Lake area, between Houston and Galveston. Our actual house is on high ground (supposedly) so our current plan is to stay if it's a 2 or below, and leave if it's a 3+. We already have reservations in Fredericksburg and can move from there to my Uncle's in Hobbs NM if need be. We stocked up on supplies yesterday so have what we need to wait it out if need be. And we've got our plan in hand and are going to start packing (so we can grab and go first light Thurs morning if we decide to leave), and take our pets.

As for what you should do -- where specifically are you (PM me if you prefer)? Have you looked at the flood maps for your area? How would the flood surge affect you? Is your home on high ground or low-lying?

 

[Rajah]

My heart goes out for everyone in her path.

If you are 40 miles inland, storm surge shouldn't be a problem. I think I'd decide whether or not to leave based on the construction of my home.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Anne

Another good point. Our home is built to "strict" hurricane standards, which is another factor in our decision to stay if it's 2 or below.

And we don't have any large trees in our neighborhood, either.

 

[HappyMommy2]

I agree with Rajah that whether or not you have lots of large overgrown trees around can make a difference in whether or not you want to leave.

Being 40 miles inland I think you have a little time still to decide whether you want to leave. It's the people in low-lying coastal areas and particularly barrier islands who have to make the decision to leave pretty soon. Take care of yourself! I still hold out lots of hope that Rita will just be a minimal storm that brings some beneficial rain to drought-stricken areas in Texas.

 

[Lyn5]

Sending prayers your way....stay safe.

 

[twinklebug]

The best site I've found for tracking hurricanes is boatus.com (click on news/hurricane center and then Rita) The spagetti models are always interesting to look at, as they usually look like a 4yo's barbie with a bad hair day, but this one shows Rita pretty much following a direct course toward you all.

I'll be hoping it blows itself out for you.

 

[DStar4cup]

I'm in the Clear Lake area, between Houston and Galveston. Our actual house is on high ground (supposedly) so our current plan is to stay if it's a 2 or below, and leave if it's a 3+. We already have reservations in Fredericksburg and can move from there to my Uncle's in Hobbs NM if need be. We stocked up on supplies yesterday so have what we need to wait it out if need be. And we've got our plan in hand and are going to start packing (so we can grab and go first light Thurs morning if we decide to leave), and take our pets.

As for what you should do -- where specifically are you (PM me if you prefer)? Have you looked at the flood maps for your area? How would the flood surge affect you? Is your home on high ground or low-lying?

Do you know if there are flood maps online that we can search. I have 2 brothers and a sister that live in Vidor. I know they will leave if needed but was wondering how their house would fare if a strong storm surge came in.

 

[Rajah]

Do you know if there are flood maps online that we can search. I have 2 brothers and a sister that live in Vidor. I know they will leave if needed but was wondering how their house would fare if a strong storm surge came in.

Does this work?

http://www.esri.com/hazards/makemap.html

I know it shows our flooding info when I plug in our zip.

 

[Queen Quinnella]

I'm in the Clear Lake area, between Houston and Galveston. Our actual house is on high ground (supposedly) so our current plan is to stay if it's a 2 or below, and leave if it's a 3+. We already have reservations in Fredericksburg and can move from there to my Uncle's in Hobbs NM if need be. We stocked up on supplies yesterday so have what we need to wait it out if need be. And we've got our plan in hand and are going to start packing (so we can grab and go first light Thurs morning if we decide to leave), and take our pets.

As for what you should do -- where specifically are you (PM me if you prefer)? Have you looked at the flood maps for your area? How would the flood surge affect you? Is your home on high ground or low-lying?

I live in Wharton, at one of the highest parts in town. We have a brick home with 5 large oak trees around it. We could head to Austin or Dallas if we need to. I guess I'll just wait and see what happens later in the week.

 

[Rajah]

Yeah, I'd wait for a couple of days before deciding.

Also, general FYI, I've PM'd my contact info to 3 people here on the DIS, so someone should be able to try and reach me if need be.

 

[DStar4cup]

Yes Tammi that link worked. I'm not real sure where they are at on the map but it looks like that whole area could have some flooding. I know my brother was digging a trench on day and had just started digging and hit water so he is not very far above sea level

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Here is the best site. www.flhurricane.com

Never, ever rely on modeling. Each model takes into account different factors. Yes the NHC uses each of the models, but also other factors then makes the predicted track and cone of doom.

 

[Rajah]

Urk :/

 

[Queen Quinnella]

Just got the word that they are evacuating the next county over (Bazoria). It's getting really crazy!

 

[hipporina]

To be honest, I live about 60 miles south of Dallas, and I'm getting nervous. I know when Katrina went through, it affected pretty far inland. The main threat for us would be severe thrunderstorms and tornados. We deal with tornados so often here, but they still really freak me out. I am extremely thankful that I don't live near the coast, but I wonder what it will be like when it reached this far inland.

 

[Rajah]

For anyone else in Galveston county, they're issuing mandatory evacuations.

Galveston and nearby cities for tomorrow, some cities/towns a little farther inland (including mine) for Thurs.

 

[bengalbelle]

I know that there were many prayers for our area for Katrina, and please know we are praying for ya'll now. Everyone stay safe and good luck.

I'm sure ya'll know this, but a word of caution. I live pretty far inland and the first confirmed death in Louisiana was from a tree falling on a home about 10 miles from us. If you have large trees near your home please consider leaving if you haven't already.

 

[Talking Hands]

They are predicting a Cat 4 by the time it gets to land again. The cone is from Mexico to the middle of Louisiana for landfall. I pray it will not grow that strong and will hit a relatively unpopulated area.