When to head back?

[OG]

Evacuated Houston on Wednesday, I know it's probalby a little early to tell- but when can we head back?

We are outside of the mandatory evacuation area inside 610 loop.... Will power be out in the city with such a big miss?

I want to go home.

[vbhoutex]

500,000 without power now in Houston. Lots of tree limbs and possibly trees down since we are getting gusts in the 55-60 mph range here on the West side of the city(Spring Branch area)The city and county officials have not finalized the return plans as far as the freeways are concerned. They are asking that people wait and listen for the announcements which are also supposed to be made at the state level also. They are trying to avoid the same jam for everyone on the way back in to the city.

[Nimbus]

Power will be out in some areas of Houston for several days. Stores and service stations that lost power will remain closed and it will take time to restock spoiled food. They are also having trouble getting fuel to the service stations for the returning evacuees and ABC is reporting traffic jams.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1155738

We should be thankful that the Houston area got off lightly with the storm but lets hope people take their time returning home.

[thermos]

Traffic jams have already started according to The Houston Chronicle at chron.com. They have set up a blog to cover it: http://blogs.chron.com/roadhome/

[cancunkid]

State's plan for orderly return

Texas Homeland Security Director Steve McCraw today released the following state plan for evacuees returning to the greater Houston area:

· SUNDAY: Those living west of Interstate 45 and north of Interstate 10, including Tomball, The Woodlands, Waller, Hockley, Katy and Brookshire.

· MONDAY: West of State Highway 35 and south of I-10, including Richmond, Stafford, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Pearland and those living inside Loop 610.

· TUESDAY: East of I-45 and north of I-10, including Liberty and Chambers counties.

Although there are no enforcement powers, McCraw urged evacuees to follow these guidelines to minimize traffic congestion.

''Returning is not only an inconvenience, it's also becoming a public safety crisis. because even if they do get home, there may not be electricity, food in the stores and medical services.