This is a very unusual hurricane. The eye is tiny and the pressure is low - stable, but low. That normally corresponds with a very powerful cat 3/4 hurricane. In this case, however, winds at the surface are barely cat 2, if that. As a result, the spread of hurricane force winds is MASSIVE - larger than Katrina at this point. That's how the storm is compensating. It still has some issues and it isn't going to pass over the uber warm waters just to its south. But, this is a very powerful and dangerous storm.
I'm in Stafford also, we should be fine. We're not a flood risk so just make sure you have any small objects in the yard picked up. Possibly board up windows for extra safety if you have a lot of trees in your neighborhood.
Perhaps they would still be able to land at 9:15 pm, but then it becomes a rush to: 1. Unload passengers 2. Turn the plane around in terms of janitorial, food service and such. 3. Load passengers and takeoff before an approaching point in time when the airport will close because of weather. Perhaps until 6 - 7 pm there would be enough of a cushion to pull it off, but 9:15 pm is going to be cutting it too close for airlines to feel comfortable trying. The military has a practice of moving planes to other locations whenever a hurricane situation is expected. The commercial airlines probably have a similar philosophy. If they brought the 9:15 arrival in and then were unable to leave before the airport shutdown, then they would have a plane stranded for the duration of the strong winds through much of Saturday. There would probably be a limited number of passengers making their scheduled Saturday evening departures, so the plane would not be close to maximizing its income potential since the cancellation - change fees are being waived. This doesn't even touch on possible Tornado scenarios or loss of power at the airport that could disrupt operations.
That's UH University park, sir. UH-Downtown (soon to be renamed) had announced closing the school at about 9:30 this morning. UHD waits for no one. Anyway, Mulder, you never answered me... what's the story... IT?
I'm only doing this for League City and Sugarland. I just don't have time to do more right now. Maybe tonight: 77573 77487
Less strength or not... <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VvCZQifVM28&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VvCZQifVM28&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
Who knows what this storm WILL BE, but right now, it is no Rita. Rita at one point in the Gulf was one of the strongest, meanest looking hurricanes ever, even more intense than Katrina. Rita's eyewall was perfectly symetrical, and the storm had the overall appearance of a buzz saw. As far as infrared pictures go, only Katrina would compare in the modern era. Ike looks nothing like them. However, we all know that every hurricane is unique; some have produced destructive winds, others have spawned multiple tornadoes, and yet others were known for 10+inches of rain. Some did it all. Not to minimize the danger of Ike, but I don't expect Rita or Katrina type damage.
Rita was a freaking monster. When they are telling you F3 tornado except 200 miles in diameter you got problems.
Well, now that it looks like we here in Austin won't get a drop, good luck to all of you back home in Houston. Stay safe.
someone needs to go pull up the rita thread, I remember one day it literally took up the whole gulf, probably the day before everyone evacuated
According to KHOU it appears the dry air from the high has been a bigger factor than previously thought, thus keeping the wind speeds down. They showed a weather buoy right off the Western eyewall showing speeds in around the 65 MPH range with a higher than expected pressure. Apparently this is good news so far and spawns hope that the hurricane force winds may not be as strong or as wide as previously forecast. Of course things change and it could be totally different 36 hours from now, but at least its an encouraging thought.
i'm no weather expert, but i know its been drier and cooler than normal, when rita hit, it was hot and miserable, and it was later in the month
I recently moved to Austin from Houston(where i was born and raised) about 8 months ago. So my prayers are with all of you great Houstonians i hope everything turns out for the best. Be Safe Showtizzle2642
