Practically all my friends (except for the ones I'm making at UT) and family live in Victoria County or the surrounding area. I was like one of the only ones to "leave" after HS. My parents are supposed to give me a call later on to tell me their game plan, and I'll probably call some of my friends as well to see what's up. I hope everyone makes it out OK, including you and your family/friends.
Does anyone have an update map of the high pressure system that is "guiding" Rita? *edit* Nevermind...found this.
I've got 2 computer backup batteries (one's huge) and 2 portable power supplies. Not as good as a generator but better than a bunch of everreadies.
The hurricane has taken a wnw wobble the last couple hours that has everyone wondering what the heck is going on. The next forecast discussion about to come out any minute now will be very very interesting along with this evenings computer model runs. Things may be changing faster than forecast with respect to that high. Stay tunes folks.
Damn...with my Grandma and the boys Great Grandpa passing, building an engine, work pressures, and a busy hurricane season, it's no wonder I started smoking again.
SEP 21, 2005 / 3:28PM CDT - SPECIAL UPDATE #4 RITA EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY 5 - 914MB PRESSURE The latest RECON, and confirmed measurements from NHC - report RITA's central pressure is now down to 914mb. MAX sustained flight winds are 161Kts, with sustained surface winds of 165mph -=- and gusts to 185mph. The thermal eyewall temp difference is an astounding 21°C The pressure has been dropping at 6mb/hr which may be s some form of record of it's own. Furthermore, there are no signs yet that Rita has finished intensifying. This places Rita in the top 10 of all-time Atlantic Basin Storms -- and in the top 4 for the Gulf of Mexico. At it's peak -- Katrina reached 902mb. Latest numerical guidance continues to show a landfall on Saturday between Port O'Connor and Freeport. A full update will be sent late tonight -- but brief status reports will be issued as warranted. http://www.wunderground.com/blog/SteveGregory/show.html
these are pictures from TROPICAL STORM ALLISION in 2002, and you imagine what a CAT 4-5 140-155mph can do to HOUSTON? I say is time to get da F OUTTA HERE!!
Here's the 5pm discussion from the NWS Tropical page. Hurricane Rita Discussion Number 17 Statement as of 5:00 PM EDT on September 21, 2005 and yet another category five hurricane this season. Data from both NOAA and Air Force hurricane hunters indicate a significant pressure drop today and winds have increased to 145 knots. This is based on a 700 mb wind of 161 knots recently measured by an Air Force plane and a recalibrated SFMR surface wind of 146 knots. Satellite intensity estimates were unanimously 140 knots from all agencies. Because Rita will be crossing an area of high heat content during the next 12 to 24 hours...it is expected that the hurricane will maintain its strength. Thereafter...the ocean heat content is not as high and the intensity changes will be controlled mainly by eyewall replacement cycles and decreasing heat content. Some weakening is anticipated but Rita is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane...at least category three. There has been no change in the steering pattern and Rita is moving westward or 275 degrees at 11 knots. The high pressure system that has been forcing Rita westward is forecast to weaken and shift eastward. This will allow the hurricane to turn gradually toward the west-northwest and northwest during the next day or two. The core of Rita is basically moving toward the Texas coast and this is consistent with the track model consensus. The wind field associated with the hurricane has begun to expand and tropical storm force winds already extend about 150 N mi in the northern semicircle. Because additional expansion of the wind field is anticipated...a Hurricane Watch and a tropical storm watch have been issued for the northwest Gulf Coast. Forecaster Avila Edit: no mention at all of any wobble northwestard. We'll see with the latest model runs I guess.
I am leaving. I have folks up in Missouri I will be staying with. God Bless and good luck to everyone.
I just want to wish the best of luck to everyone in Houston and along the rest of the Texas Gulf coast...
