Spring is about 80 miles to the north of the coast. By the time the hurricane gets to that area, it's winds will have diminished most likely to category 1 strength - 80-90mph. No fun, but not the kind of damage you'll see within the first 30-50 miles from the coast.
Well, they asked Jim Cantore on the Weather Channel what would be the worst case scenario for Houston. He said a CAT 4 coming north from Victoria destroying 600,000 homes. He did say that they believed that wouldn't happen, but to prepare for the worst.
The latest discussion from the NHC is interesting. They are leaning away from the GFS and BAM now because they had predicted a weakening in the high pressure system that is keeping Rita on a westerly track. That has not come to pass, so the model guidance is still just north of the GFDL, which has been a very solid predictor of storm tracks this season. As it stands, they are tracking it to come on shore between Freeport and Matagorda, not much of a change from the last forecast track. The intensity model has definitely increased with them now predicting the hurricane could become a category 5 at some point though they see it making landfall as a 3 or 4. Yikes.
Anyone know how these evacuations will work? Ar what time will you not be allowed to get off the freeways until Huntsville/ Livingston etc? I would like to know the latest I can get on the Freeways and get off at Kingwood. I don't want to end up way north. As far as planning goes, I'm not hearing much about this stuff and wish we were better informed. This says Wed. evening and also Thursday. http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou050920_ac_mandatoryevac.788768d6.html I am also hearing tomorrow at 2p.m. you won't be able to get off the Freeways. HELP!!!
Don't want to sound like a moron, but how do I put plywood over my windows, if there was brick surrounding the windows? my parents are hellafied worried.
It is looking like it is going to come right over Austin with 70+ MPH winds...ugh.... I am going to have to go out and prepare....IN AUSTIN !! I feel for the people in Matagorda bay... DD
Why not buy a generator and expense it? I'm sure your boss won't mind. (Don't forget to buy the gas!)
Well, this storm is going to suck quite a bit. I was so psyched a year ago to get a first-floor apartment right on Clear Creek... looks like I'll be paying for that choice with all of my possessions. I'm moving a lot of my irreplaceable belongings to the second floor of my parents' house in League City, a little further inland from the Creek than my apartment. My TV, home audio and DVD and book collections should be safe there. All my furniture is probably going to be ruined, though, and I suspect my apartment won't be habitable for a good while. The next couple months are going to be a b**** finding a new place to live.
DaDakota, please see to it that my tombstone reads: "There's no such thing as a 'dominate player.' A DOMINANT player DOMINATES."
I created another tracking overlay map to show the cities effected based on the latest NHC model guidance.
Jeff, That is totally different then what they showed on the news tonight.... Is that the most accurate one? PS. That looks a LOT like Alicia's track. DD
Well. Time to head out. Parents live in Freeport, so they're heading out first thing in the morning. I live in Clear Lake, probably better to be safe then sorry, so I'm going to meet them tonight and leave with them tomorrow. I figure they'll announce UHMain's closing tomorrow. Really the last thing keeping me here through the weekend. Everything I need/want packed up and ready. With any luck, this is all for naught and things won't be that bad. In any case, everyone stay safe and good luck.
Man, that evacuation thing sucks donkey nuts. I'm going to have to make some serious detours to get where I'm going on Thursday. Ugh.
