Hurricane Rita has cleared the keys and entered the Gulf with all the media fanfare that I would have expected from a Hydrogen bomb exploding at the ship channel. Ok, Katrina made people a bit punchy, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution, but this is ridiculous. I have been outside hanging too many sheet of plywood to provide linky goodness, but I’ve heard way too many stories on the news about what could happen as opposed to what’s likely to happen. For example, 130 mph wind in Sugarland, 25 foot storm surge in League City. People. Take a deep breath. Stop listening to people on TV that get paid to scare the shit out of you. Go check the National Hurricane Center [that’s where all the talking heads get their info, anyway] and take a look at their predicted track. It’s headed towards Matagorda Bay. If that holds true, we’ll get some wind, some rain, and probably a lot of flooding, but no fire and brimstone, I promise. Of course, it’s essential that you’re prepared, but now is not the time to crap your pants and start running around yelling “the sky is falling!” We reserve that task when it shifts 150 miles East towards Galveston Bay.
And I don’t think I quite have my sea legs, as it were, at Jack’s site yet. Plus I’ve been busting my ass every daylight hour preparing for this hurricane. But I will lay down this gauntlet to my fellow guest bloggers: I’m gonna have the most adorable cat picture on Friday. That is, if I still have power.
September 20, 2005
The sky is falling! No, I just got hit in the head with reality
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When it's this far out nobody can be sure exactly where it's going make landfall or exactly what it will do when it gets there. But it sure as heck is going somewhere and at this point, we in the vicinity of (TPR)Seabrook are guaranteed some significant wind and a whole lot of wet.
The news media has hyped hurricanes since 1961 when Dan Rather worked for KHOU, and his courageous Carla coverage caught the attention of CBS. The image of him braving the wind and weather on Galveston's Seawall is etched in the minds of generations of network anchor-person hopefuls.
Today, cub reporters seek out puddles to stand in during minor weather events. When a real threat comes, they report on it with orgasmic enthusiasm (so to speak.) But intermixed in the hype is some pretty good advice on what to expect and how to prepare. Separate the hype from the advice, and calmly prepare.
Douglas is twice right -- Pointing out the hype and cautioning against panic. I would add that even if the s#!t hits the fan, panic is always counterproductive. Unlike many other natural disasters, we can identify hurricane threats when they are still days away. We have time to prepare for Rita's arrival.
But don't wait until the last minute. Make plans now and inform your in-laws, out-laws, and other loved ones of exactly what you plan to do and when you plan to do it (you may not be able to reach them later...) If you're staying, get prepared. If your going, beat the rush and go soon.
Keep in mind that if the storm passes to the south of Galveston, that means the storm surge on the eastern side of the hurricane will flow directly into Galveston Bay. THAT is the worst case scenario, because it means that perhaps as much as 18-25 feet - or more - of the Gulf will pour into the bay. Not good.
My in-laws from Seabrook already are on their way up here to Dallas. Their lakefront home may be submerged by Sunday. Ick!
10-4 Drew. If I lived in Seabrook, I'd be long gone by now. Kudos for your assistance to your in-laws. You are a real American.
Call me Barnacle Bob if you like, but this morning I made the decision to stick to the homestead for this one, even though Clear Lake residents have been encouraged to evacuate. (Could someone crisply define the term "mandatory" in this context?)
That said, I encourage anyone in this neck of the woods who is less than completely prepared for the worst case scenario to hit the road late tonight. The traffic should thin out overnight, and it will be lots cooler than scooting out tomorrow.
I promise, I will not loot your house while you're gone!