Ike

[wackyjacky1]

My best friend and her family live in the Sixth Ward in Houston. They decided not to evacuate for Ike. They evacuated for Rita, and that turned out to be a total PITA (and ultimately unnecessary) so they didn't want to go through that hassle again. Needless to say I am quite worried about them!

[DrBadger]

I am in the Montrose area of Houston, just west of downtown (for those of you who know the area). My friend Amie and I didn't evacuate as the officials here told us to shelter in place. We are out of flood zones, and have lots of water and food....though it is looking like we will be only about 13 miles from the eye when it goes over Houston, though we will be on the good side of the storm, and are 60 miles inland, so will not get the brunt of what Galveson is seeing.

winds are picking up and rain should be starting soon....we are hoping to have power through most of the night, but are expecting to lose power at some point. I will check in as soon as I have power and internet again... here's to hoping it is quickly!

Ellen (aka DrBadger)

[salsabike]

Oh, thank you for the update, Dr.B. We too have relatives in Houston, and I'm also glad to know you're relatively safe.

[Aggie_Ama]

Ellen- I always forget you are down there! Stay safe, imagine moving from the threat of earthquakes to riding out a big ol' hurricane.

My husband did talk to his old roommate, he has evacuated to Fort Worth but his dad only went 30 miles out of Port Neches (Beaumont area). His dad is one of the local funeral directors and was quite necessary after Rita to help with the aftermath and even Katrina victims. His friend said they were just finally finishing up restoring the flood damage from Rita.

He doesn't know about his friends in Palacios but they are probably not going to get the bad stuff being South. I haven't checked on my college roommate and husband's family (Katy and Cleveland) because it was too late to call when they have an infant at home. Katy should be fine but Cleveland might get the nasty.

It is hitting such a populated area, I don't know how it won't be big on damage but hopefully not lives. If I separate myself from the damage and any loss of lives, I am quite fascinated by hurricane season. I thought about being a meteorologist for a while, until I took the class at A&M and found out how much Physics is involved. I hate Physics!