Who is leaving in advance of the storm? Where are you going?? Our local TV stations have been running stories about the motels and hotels in this area being booked solid for the next week. Tyler and Longview have already planned where to house people and what supplies and medical attention might be needed.
Ken and I are going out to clear our driveway tomorrow to make room for travel trailer turn-around in case we have people here to ride out the storm (s?) I wonder which way Hanna is going to go after Gustav makes landfall?
There is a possibility of high winds here, but nothing severe in the forecast so far.
Has anyone heard from any of our friends in Louisiana or Mississippi?
http://www.goes.noaa.gov/HURRLOOPS/gulfvs.html
This message was edited Aug 30, 2008 1:48 PM
Who is Fleeing Gustav?? Who is Staying Put?
Maggie
Heavinscent from Lake Charles will be fleeing that area. They may come here or have other options.
This looks like it will be a bad boy. We all need to see what we can do to help our garden friends.
Just let me know as to how I can help. For Rita and Katrina, Jacksonville was a big player in assisting these evacuees. I think the agency that my wife directs will again help these folks with meals and other needed items. We are seeing what Red Cross tells us. Right now Tyler and Longview are the main centers in the area but if like last time we will be the overflow.
Keep in touch.
DD
The county is calling for a madatory evacuation starting at 6am Sunday, so we will be leaving this afternoon to beat the traffic.
We have room for a few trailers/motor homes if any one needs a place to go. We are in New Waverly. We will probably have a lot of rain, wind gusts, but all of Houston will have to be under water before we will.
Annette
We are holding off until we know more in the morning, I've made reservations as the Westin in Dallas but unless the bands are close and it's higher than a 2 then we aren't leaving. If we do leave we will go up north towards the lakes then cut across. This is the way we took for Rita in the wee hours (as we will again) and had little to no traffic. We have a generator, portable A/C, gas,food, water and home protection.
Right now I-10 is still open traffic both ways but as Gustav nears that may change. Orange has already called to evac special needs and will call for a large scale if needed first thing Sunday morning.
Rita was a tough lady and we were without power, phone or internet for a bit over a month, so keeping my fingers crossed Gustav likes us a bit better.
Most of us don't leave our homes to looters in the face of a hurricane. Don't let the mongers out there convince you that you are only safe if your leave your home especially if you live in a community w/lots of people around. Those of you who live in the outskirts may have different ideas. One of the worst things that can happen is for anyone to PANIC thinking that there will be shortages of water, batteries, etc. Use your common sense and don't move unless you really HAVE TO. Most of us don't have to. We're more in danger of people carrying tales than of the actual storms. I've personally been here in Houston since the early '30's and we've never left home and we never had any worries. Stay put until the authorities say you HAVE to go.
Ann
I am staying put...didn't leave when Katrina or Rita hit....I am almost packed down here..just need a few things here and there to do....I am ready..got supplies..and my girl scouts survival training mode kicked in while back listening to Tv to see where this puppy is going....
We left for Rita, but since we pretty much sat in the eye of it we felt it best, this one is a bit different as I don't think we'll get much other than rain.
Orange and Jefferson County Emergency Management officials have ordered a Mandatory Evacuation for all of Orange and Jefferson County effective 6:00 a.m., Sunday, August 31, 2008 due to Hurricane Gustav which is predicted to effect the area on Monday evening. Sabine Pass will begin evacuation Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m., followed by Port Arthur at 8:00 a.m., Mid-County at 10:00 a.m. and Beaumont and surrounding area's at noon. Citizens should be aware that at 6:00 am tomorrow, August 31, 2008. When the Mandatory Evacuation is initiated, the State traffic plan will be implemented. I-10 traffic eastbound and westbound will not be able to exit the interstate in many parts of Jefferson and Orange County.
So the local gov's have covered their butts with this but looking at the projects and models unless something changes we will be staying.
Our county just got madatory evacuation... we were 12 hours driving to go 200 miles for Rita, and I have a feeling it will be worse since there are quite a few counties with the mandatory attached to those counties.. We will be leaving shortly.. drive as far as we can We will be taking our 5th wheel, and staying at Bardwell Lake in Ennis,TX. S of Dallas. That is where the nursing home is taking my Momma to a NH in Ennis.
I am hoping the authorites are just jumping the gun for this Hurricane, since little was done for Katrina and Rita.. but I won't take any chances
See ya'll when we get back!!
Have fun Becky, *G* let me know how the roads are...from looking at the newest path I'll be staying. Heck I slept through Umberto and only woke up cause I was mad the ceiling fan wasn't workin.
I'm praying for any kind of easier go for all of you. Keeping you in prayers no matter what - and anyone in the path of Gustav tonight.
Be careful Becky, I'll keep you in my prayers while traveling...Hope you mom makes the transfer okay.
Me too, dropping by to see how you Texas folks are all doing. Sending lots of prayers your way that it doesn't get as bad as Katrina and Rita and that you all make it through safe.
If ya need help we all here to help in any way we can. Stay safe my garden buddies. Hugs and prayers for you and your families.
Another just dropping by...
For anyone in Crazy Gustav's path, I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please stay safe, dry and undamaged!
Lots of hugs,
Alexandra
While I sure didn't want Gustav hitting here, I hate that it's hitting so close to New Orleans, I think the landfall point is Grand Isle so NO will get some pretty heavy rain. The pumping stations just can't handle it, from what I remember it's able to handle 1" the first hour and a 1/2' every hour after that, the sewage system isn't back up 100% (not that it ever has been) and the levies...well lets just say not much has been done to improve them other than a few quick patches.
New Orleans is a magical place for many, and it holds the heart and soul of a very unique culture I'd hate to see it damaged even more.
My brother is in Groves and the police dept over there actually told him to wait until about 5pm to leave--if at all--because I10 is so clogged up with people from LA. He says about half the people in his neighborhood are still there--he is close to 39th (maybe 37th street?) street and pure atlantic hwy (or at least that's what they called it when I lived over there 25 yrs ago). Traffic is fine in Houston, once they get here anyway and they said on the news this morning that Houston (esp the west side) still is only about 70% booked and full in the motels/hotels.
I agree with Plantlady. My relatives live in Charleston, SC. The big hurricane we had after Hugo, many people evacuated and it was an interstate nightmare. Hotels raised their prices. It was crazy out there and completely not needed.
Stay safe.
This message was edited Aug 31, 2008 10:26 AM
I talked to Becky last night and she is suppose to call someone when they get to Ennis so it can be posted they are there.
I know here in Tyler they have a "staging" area already set up and have already started getting buses in from LA and are assigning folks to the "shelters".
My bus monitors children and spouses and other family members were leaving friday to head on over here to stay.
DH has decided if the winds are going to pick up here from the effects of it the potted citrus trees and plumies are comin inside... LOL....
I would think that close to the hospital in Groves he'd have power pretty quickly after the storm if it goes out. We've kept our reservations open until 5:00 P.M. but at this point I see no reason to leave. If we have to pay for the first night no biggie insurance will cover it because it was mandatory.
LOL the few neighbors we have still here (several are loading up to leave) now think, if they didn't before, that we are nuts. DH got out this morning and cut the grass, I was washing windows and washing the sidewalk. I just remember that during Rita everything was so messy because I had flown through the house getting things to evac and when we came home it was to hot to do much in 100+ heat. So this time I've at least washed all the stuff in the hamper, cleaned the bathrooms and vacuumed.
dang I'm glad you said that Mibus, I need to bring in the lemon, lime and fig tree...wonder if I can talk the DH into bringing my EB filled with my peppers in the house, the plant is still putting out great and is loaded down with peppers.
I live south of Houston, almost midway to Galveston. We don't plant to leave based on the forecasts so far, which have been pretty focused on LA being the target. If it were just my wife and I, we would ride out most storms. But...with a 22 mo old girl, baby boy due *any* day now, 3 dogs, 3 cats, 1 fish...we have to plan for contingencies carefully. If it heads directly towards us, we can go to my sister-in-law's place up in the Woodlands (towards Lake Conroe.) We always have supplies on hand (lots of water, food, propane, cooking equipment, toiletries, etc.)
I hope everyone in the path is safe. I was stuck in traffic for almost 10 hours during Rita so I know how it feels to evac (I got off easy.)
Glad I helped you remember them..I knwo we are clear up east of ti all but they are still young trees and this is the first year I have had them and would like to not lose them already and the grapefruit and lemon already have some fruit on them plus is getting ready to bloom again.
Ennis is also a staging area/temporary shelter. From Ennis, they will be directed to a shelter in either Dallas, Mesquite, or Fort Worth, depending on availability of beds. There are also some other shelters in the Metroplex as well. I know there will be some in Arlington, but not exactly sure where else.
Here is a pic of Highway 90(cars and trucks going west) right out front of my house this morning..been going on this way since yesterday morning..Some people stopped on my driveway and got out..went into my woods and use the bathroom while I was mowing my yard..had to turn the other way so I don't see anything..LOL..as of right this mintue..traffic been stopping alot and no cars or trucks have broken down yet..I heard some people cussing and swearing cuz windows were down and some people were driving so slow.....my brother and I been sitting outside watching this mess...I do hope that everybody gets to where they are going in a safely manner..and pray nobody get much damage from this hurricane....
Wow, Modene! That is pretty crazy...you are so nice to let them use your "backyard" as their pit stop. I do think this is going to be pretty bad with evacuations bc no one wants to take the chance of things being as bad as Katrina or Rita. We did leave for Rita, at 2 am I think it was Wednesday morning. We sat in traffic for about 6 hrs. We ended up getting off of I-10 and taking Hwy 90 for a lot of the way and that helped. My parents were in traffic about 10 hours the next day. I do pray for all of you that have mandatory evacuations.
I live north of Houston in Cypress. Even if it does start coming this way, I think we will be staying put. We worry most about flooding and tornadoes. Before, we were renting our house and now we're buying so the fiance says we're not going anywhere.
Everyone stay safe.
Becky
Becky we left early morning hours for Rita, went north to around Lufkin then cut across to Dallas and had very little traffic, so if we had to leave again I think we'd do the same. We have packed a bag just in case but from what I see on the weather stations we will be fine. I do feel for all of those in Grand Isle and NO.
This reminds me, I need ot call the local Red Cross, I know we will get people as we did with Katrina so they will need the help
Hi Moodene,
If that had been my woods, I thnk I would set up my camera and a big sign in front of it that said something to the effect: We photograph all of our visitors, clothed or not!
Shortstuff, we used to live in Cypress. Our Son still does, in Fairfield now, but during rita he was near 290 and Cypress-Rosehill. He and his family were going to sit it out up here. They traveled from 290 to Huffmeister (about 2 miles) in a record 2 hours! They went home and came up the next morning. It only took them about an hour and ten minutes.
During Rita everyone thought I was crazy but with my DH and 2 dogs I headed South. From Mont Belvieu I drove 146 toward Galveston and I can't remember the rode down by Clear Lake/ League City went West and just drove inland as far as we could get. Spent the night in a well lit Dollar general parking lot past Sealy Texas.
When I called my friend because she left hours after us she said how did you get so far so fast? I said absolutely no traffic. Everybody going the other way. So she made it to within blocks of where we were. My cell was dead and no charger. lol
She told me weeks later it was a stroke of genius to go that way. I believe it was Jesus and he is a genius.
Now it is just me and I won't go by myself too scary to be a woman on the road alone. I was scared then especially when DH would walk behind the building (nothing close by) and relieve his bladder. I told him I did not think it was fair the plumbing difference. It was 24+ hours before I went or could even feel I had to. After all the drinks and water we drank I was very dehydrated. I was very scared when I went I actually thought I was passing old blood from the color. It was not till I talked to my brother I found out it is caused by dehydration. The temps were 107 during the day and still sweltering at night.
Be safe all stay hydrated. So many things to remember. Doing laundry and must finish the yard it is so high. My neighbor has been doing it with her riding mower because I am disabled from back surgery, but she stopped 5 weeks ago. I did some yesterday with my push mower and my legs hurt so bad. But I will keep going as soon as it cools off a little. It is so high but if we get rain it will be worse. I got to finish it or try.
Take care everyone,
Sandy ^8^
This message was edited Aug 31, 2008 3:33 PM
It has never made sense to me why people evac in the direction of the storm! If it were me leaving N.O.; I would be headed toward Alabama or MO, not into TX with the hurricane on my tail!
Having lived both below New Orleans and in Houston, I would rather be on roads out of Houston than New Orleans. Can't speak for now, but that strech from N.O. thru Lake Charles was the loneliest place on earth. If the wind blew you off that bridge, they would never find you. It is swamp for miles!
This message was edited Aug 31, 2008 4:05 PM
LOL Sheila I hear ya...we go to Beaumont every weekend and when people ask why we don't go to Lake Charles also since it's the same distance we have a hard time giving a good answer. I just don't like that stretch of road...gives me the hebbies.
Camera???..mmm that would have been cahoots!!...lol...all quiet on Highway 90 tonite...hardly any cars and trucks going by...
You guys please stay safe. Been thinking aboaut all of you all day. Do what you have to do. The plants will be replaced, but you won't!!
If you are in the path of this storm, and you are thinking about leaving, don't head up towards Tyler/Dallas. Go west towards Austin or San Antonio. When Gustav moves inland, it's going to stall in NE Texas for several days. They already have flash flood warnings posted. Here's the weather forecast for Tyler, where "our" Dave and Trish live: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Tyler&state=TX&site=SHV&textField1=32.3284&textField2=-95.3036&e=0
Notice how little the storm moves between Tuesday and Friday on the map... It's still close enough to the Gulf that it will be drawing in new moisture. You all be careful!!!
Very true Marylyn and to think they have sent some of the people from New Orleans area here.
bad enough with the flooding here someone got a boat to come get me??? LOL
Make sure there is room on the boat for me, since I live right down the road from Phyllis, LOL!
Ya knwo I don't mind the rain even alot of rain but what does bother me is every time it rains there is at least 1 if not 2 accidents around town from it and now that school is back in session that means I will get to deal wtih all the crazies out driving in the rain while I drive the bus *ugh*
Guess I'll be moving the citrus trees and plumies into the garage this evening to protect them from the winds they are calling to come with the rain.
Isn't it amazing, the things you see while driving a school bus! I really think all parents should have to ride for at least 4 days, just to see the idiots on the road, and the way students act in some of the situations we find ourselves in! My biggest gripe is the ones on cell phones. Most of the people can't walk and chew gum at the same time, anyway. I wish there was a sign we could flash........."SHUT UP AND DRIVE!" Or "PAY ATTENTION! I'm so glad I retired. The only thing I miss about it, is some of the people I worked with.
The fear I live with is what happens if a really big hurricane comes toward the SE Texas coast and much of SE Texas needs to be evacuated. The population is such it would be a nightmare to try to get everybody out in time. My daughter and her family are in Houston, sister's family are in Houston, brother and wife in Angleton. I know they've worked on the problem, but still...it would be way too hard. I remember Rita...no gas available for those that waited too long, gridlock on the roads, from what I hear.