Ther are "textbook" tropical storms, those whose movements and behaviors are predictable and by-the-book. Then there is Tropical Storm Fay. The poor girl must be dazed and confused, because she's just been hanging around off the Gulf Coast for what seems like forever. When I woke up this morning, it appeared that not much had happened or changed overnight. It is beginning to sound as if we will escape anything along the lines of last year's TS Allison. Of course, that's not to say that today is merely going to be another day at the beach. The forecast for the Houston area calls for anywhere from 4"- 8" of rain, which is a lot of water, but not particularly unusual in these parts. Some areas along the coast have received in the neighborhood of 15" of rain. By comparison, we've been fortunate thus far.
Fay is now projected to make landfall this afternoon somewhere in the neighborhood of Palacios, a couple hours southwest of Galveston. We're still going to be on the "dirty" side of the storm, and that generally means a lot of water headed our way. Right now, there's no rain at all, but then a band will move through, and we'll be deluged for a few minutes. Then nothing until then next band moves through.
The wind thankfully has not been an issue yet. So far, it seems like any other heavy rain system with some wind behind it. Since Fay is not necessarily behaving in a predictable manner, I don't know if that means the worst is behind us or is yet to come. Regardless, I don't think I'll be straying far from home today.
Stay tuned, y'all....
