ktrh.com streams live. That would be your best bet. KHOU puts selected stories up in Windows Media Format. http://www.khou.com/video/playlist.html
First, expect panic to set in on the local broadcasts. Local broadcasting is beyond horrible and they will get worse. Best bet is to avoid the TV and read the updates online which actually tend to be more balanced and accurate. Second, by this time tomorrow, we will know a LOT more about where this thing is going and how big it will be. I advise everyone to use tomorrow to get prepared in case of the "WORST CASE SCENARIO!!!"
Man... this is crazy. Just got back from Super Target and Randall's, all the bread/water/D-batteries... all gone.
As I mentioned somewhere earlier, I'm working in Woodville, TX (about 115 miles NE of Houston), and I just went into the local Wal-mart and bought the last package of D cell batteries. I had bought water there yesterday, but they were out today. There were also just about out of bread, peanut butter, and all canned meats. The hotel is booked, and so is every other hotel between Houston and Dallas. At least I've got something now to wash off all these damn love bugs off the grill and windshield of my truck.
And don't pay attention to the 10:00 p.m. NHC release tonight either. It will have Rita crossing over Freeport again as a Cat 4 (fearless prediction).
guys i went to a local o'riley's and they had lots of flashlights/batteries. try those kinds of stores. everyone hits up grocery stores/walgreens but check out autozone or whatever is near yall.
Okay. I wasn't worried before, but now they're saying it might be a Cat 4 hurricane. Now it's serious. If it starts heading this way it's time to board up the windows a get the **** out of dodge. Category Four Hurricane: Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 km/hr). Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal. More extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km). Hurricane Charley of 2004 was a Category Four hurricane made landfall in Charlotte County, Florida with winds of 150 mph. Hurricane Dennis of 2005 struck the island of Cuba as a Category Four hurricane.
Just got back from Galveston. Took as many valuables as we could out of the beachhouse. Said my goodbyes to it. Had some good times and memories that will last forever at that place. Took one last stroll down the seawall and walked out on the jetty to witness the calm before the storm. It's getting strange down there because the place is emptying out and the only parked cars on the seawall are news trucks scattered up and down it. thats not normal on such a calm beautiful evening as the evening was tonight. as i sat on the end of the rocks, the birds seemed to be acting strangely, almost as if they knew something nasty was heading towards us to greatly disturb the atmosphere they fly in and destryoy the envoriment they and we live in. What happens will happen. Not much of a philosophy but one that feels right for me right now. I guess we were due. As many storms that have hit floirda and other areas of the U.S I had a gut feeling that Houston was due this season - due for a direct hit by a major hurricane. I think i'm going to head to the store tommorrow and buy an inflatable raft or a canoe and some life jackets just to be safe. I just can't see my family sitting on the roof making up signs that say 'help' and 'pick us up'. I'd rather us paddle out here. oh, and maybe a rambo knife just to be even safer.
Hmmm, it doesn't look like anything is unusual in Houston, from the weather.com: ===================================================== Updated Sep 20 08:25 p.m. CT Right Now for Houston, TX Clear 84°F Feels Like 86°F UV Index: 0 Low Wind: From S at 5 mph Humidity: 52% Pressure: 30.05 in. Dew Point: 65°F Visibility: 10.0 miles ===================================================== I mean without looking at/listening to any report on Rita, can you really feel a hurricane is approaching, Houstonians?
Nah but the birds know something is brewing, they are covering powerlines and trees all over the city.
Something to bear in mind... The flood damage to Houston will be substantial if this thing hits here, HOWEVER, it will primarily be isolated in low lying areas. Unlike Allison, this storm will not sit on top of us for 36 hours and dump rain. It will hit us hard and get the hell out. During Alicia, I remember it hit in the early morning hours and we were out surveying the damage by 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Also, keep in mind that if it comes in as a 4, anyone north of I10 will likely get category 3 conditions. Anyone north of the north beltway will probably feel mild category 2 conditions and anyone north of, say, Conroe will get tropical storm force conditions. The point being, the further you are inland, the less of an impact on your immediate area in terms of overall damage.
Just saw Steve Lyons (I believe his name is) on the Weather Channel say that a CAT 4 or higher is extremely rare to hit land. Said that is good news for this storm. Mentioned that a CAT 4-5 usually weakens back to a 3 before landfall. Also said it probably will not be anywhere the size of Katrina. He still made it sound as if they really don't know where this is hitting even though the majority of forecasts have it coming straight at Galveston/Houston.
I go to SHSU in Huntsville and we have plenty of shelter space up here, so pack up the family and come visit the prison capitol of Texas.
Jeez guys, all kidding aside, my prayers are with you. I pray that everyone stays safe and makes smart decisions to keep you and your loved ones out of harms way.
Hey guys, is San Antonio a good place to go. If not, tell me a good place, or should we wait one more day.
By tomorrow afternoon, the model guidance should be much more reflective of a legit landfall position. Keep in mind that Hurricane Charley was supposed to hit Tampa Bay and, at the last minute, jogged 100 miles south and hit Punta Gorda, so anything is possible. If it is within 150 miles of hitting Houston, it is a serious concern. That is too close to guess and too close to take a chance.
