TS Rita

[Aurora63]

They say that it will likely head through the Florida Straights and into the Gulf, possibly affecting Texas late this week, possibly as a major hurricane. But high pressure is going to keep it away from the north Gulf Coast, i.e. N.O., Mississippi, Alabama.

But I have to say, I sure hope it doesn't hit Houston. I know Houston is far inland and wouldn't have storm surge issues, but even so, with all the Katrina evacuees there... ...the last thing they need is a major hurricane!

Keeping them in my prayers!

 

[Chuck S]

The problem with Houston is flooding. It is flat, and floods very easily. Here, near San Antonio, we're in a drought and we could sure use some rain, but there are areas that flood easily here as well. We had major floods in our area in 1998 and 2000. Fortunately, Rita looks fairly compact in size...so let's hope it stays that way...and hope it move quickly so we don't get long lasting heavy rain.

 

[Rozzie]

I really hope the High holds, we really don't need anything else in this area this year. I am so battle fatigued from all of these storms.

I don't wish these things on anyone. I really would almost considering moving at this point, and I have lived here on the coast all my life.

 

[dis4me]

OH NO Don't tell me that I am headed to Houston on Thursday. Do they normally get hit with hurricanes?

 

[Rajah]

No, we don't normally get hit with hurricanes, and *historically* storms following this path typically go just a bit south. But, that's no guarantee.

I'm afraid that this year, it will hit us because of Katrina victims. :/

 

[serenity1991]

I'm afraid that this year, it will hit us because of Katrina victims. :/

Please don't speak that....have faith! Proverbs 18:21 says THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH, AND THOSE WHO LOVE IT WILL EAT ITS FRUIT. Let's hope it takes a very southern turn and misses Texas completely and ONLY hitting Mexico as a tropical storm!

 

[MsDisney23]

 

[Rajah]

Please don't speak that....have faith! Proverbs 18:21 says THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER OF LIFE AND DEATH, AND THOSE WHO LOVE IT WILL EAT ITS FRUIT. Let's hope it takes a very southern turn and misses Texas completely and ONLY hitting Mexico as a tropical storm!

Hey, if we're going that far, I'd like to go for a turn in the gulf and back out to sea where it won't hit anyone. LOL!!

 

[bumcat]

I'm way out west of Houston and still lost power for a few days when Alicia came thru some years back, it even bent telephone poles. Let's just hope if it turns into a hurricane it's not anywhere near as powerful as what the gulf coast had. As far as the hurricane survivors they are spread out all over Texas including Corpus Christi. They have to be on edge seeing it heading into the gulf.

 

[Rajah]

It would be best for all involved if it just fizzles out into a typical storm and spreads its fury over everyone (so no portion gets too much)

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

History's worst hurricane hit Galveston, Texas (45 miles south of Houston) in 1900 and killed over 8000 people. It was an unnamed storm.

Compare Houston to Slidell, Louisiana. Slidell is 31 miles from New Orleans and was in the direct path of the storm. The damage there is amongst the worst of all areas hit.

If the Texas coast suffers a direct hit from a major hurricane, Houston will likely receive a major blow. 25 to 30% of Harris county, where Houston is centered, lies in the 100-year flood plain. It is most likely that those low-lying areas would bear the brunt of the storm and its after-affects.

Remember, the biggest difficulty in New Orleans came because of the levee breaches. The same problem doesn't exist in Houston.

 

[Rajah]

Not looking good. Current forecasts put it at a cat 3+ whenver it hits. :/

 

[lewdyan1]

Miami-Dade schools are closed tomorrow! My kids are getting used to having hurriacne days! They are just not as much fun as a snow day sounds!

 

[Aurora63]

I wonder if Palm Beach schools will be closed tomorrow...we are under a TS warning now, they say we'll have gusts up to 40 mph. Just waiting to hear, I bet they're waiting for the next advisory to make a descision.

 

[serenity1991]

All of you, please be safe in Rita's path! I'm so over these things...and we haven't even reached October yet.